Because I Need Motivation

I went ahead and gave away my weekend (I'm babysitting 9-5 Saturday AND Sunday). Dreams of treadmill money are the only sane reason for doing such a thing. Oh, and the fact that the woman I'm babysitting for is in dire need. She is moving on Wednesday and has to get the college classes she teaches turned into online classes asap.

Anyway, I now have to do my long run this afternoon after a full day of work. I don't know about you, but that is sounding dreadful. Especially since it will be 10 miles on a treadmill. Boring. So, to help myself get motivated, and perhaps motivate you too, here are a list of some of my favorite running blogs to read:

Barefoot Angie Bee

Skinny Runner

Hungry Runner Girl

Why I Run

Kind of a creepy picture, but I love the idea of it.

For the first time in over two months the weather was warm enough (the high reached 40! and the trail was free of snow) for me to enjoy another barefoot run. Boy were my feet missing it! I ran 7 miles and now, an hour later and my feet still feel great!

Also, for the first time ever I saw another barefoot runner. We passed each other a few times going the opposite way around the loop. Very cool. I'm glad to know there is at least one other person like me in Someplace, Wyoming. I usually get weird looks, but think nothing of it. Today I did a double-take when I saw him running.

To reward myself I enjoyed an amazing pita with homemade roasted red pepper hummus (I'll have to post the recipe on here sometime) and a delicious orange.

It's Taking Over...And I Love it!

 

I have never wanted to visit New York City more!

For more information click here.

I Did It

I paid $60.

And registered online.

No more second-guessing myself.

I am going to run a half-marathon.

And I am going to do it October 16.

In Park City, Utah.

And, it's gonna be fun.

Read more about it here.

And here.

And here.

Before

Before I began running barefoot it was not uncommon for my feet to hurt, especially at the end of a long day. The arches ached the most, followed closely behind by the ball of my foot, just under my big toe. The pain was enough to make me question why my feet were hurting. I wear the right kinds of shoes to give enough support. Was it because I was on my feet all day? Or was it the stress of my job? I even went so far as to learn about reflexology and how every part of our body is connected to another part. I learned that the arches of my feet corresponded to my lower back. And sure enough, when my arches hurt, so did my lower back and vice verse. I learned that the area under my big toe corresponded to my thyroid. But I didn't know what to do with this information except rub my feet at night (or get my husband to do it :)

Since running barefoot, the skin on the bottoms of my feet have changed. They have taken on a smoother feel, and are thicker, but not callused. The only thing I can relate it to is leather. And I've noticed something else too. My arches don't hurt. Even after a long run they feel great. They are stronger now and bear the weight of my body with ease. And that big lump on the ball of my foot? It has flattened out and no longer hurts either.

Coincidence? Perhaps, but I don't think so.

I can't explain it, but running barefoot is more than just a natural way of moving, it is a healing experience. It is my way of connecting my body to mother earth. And it is a healing/spiritual reconnection event every time I run.

Two Books I Can Recommend

I love to read. That said, I ashamedly only read novels. Oh, occasionally I'll read something non-fiction, but it's rare. That is, until I found two FABULOUS books: Born to Run and Animal, Vegetable, Miracle.

I tore through Born to Run in a day and half, which wasn't difficult actually considering it's still summer (prime reading in the hammock time) and the book is so well written that it reads like a novel. Seriously. You. Need. To. Read. It. Whether you are a runner or not, whether you exercise or not, whether you like to read or not. It is a book that is entertaining, inspirational, and a wealth of knowledge and experience. Read it! You'll love it!

I only started Animal, Vegetable and Mineral today, but already it is a promising book. I don't like propaganda or political agendas---from either party. And I get the sense that there might be some of that in this book. However I am reading it because of the drive it gives to get back to a natural way of doing things: growing your own food etc...and I am all about that. I will give a more detailed opinion after I finish it. But I am sure everyone could benefit from reading it!

Neat Sites

My Nike+ has been a pain in the patootie lately. Every time I run the distance is inaccurate. Don't get me wrong. I LOVE hearing that little voice tell me how far I've come, what my average pace is and how much more I have to go. I just wish I knew exactly how much that REALLY was. Well, I used the mapit portion of the site tonight and checked out my runs. That is a pretty cool feature.

And I found similar sites to share with you all since you probably don't have a Nike+.

Check 'em out.

http://www.mapmyrun.com

http://gmap-pedometer.com/

Man, I Wish I Could Go!

Training is still going well. Not that you guys probably care, but it is a big deal for me. In fact, probably one of the biggest things I have ever done. Today I ran 4 miles barefoot. The bottoms of my feet are feeling a little tender, but not too tender to walk. All in all I feel GREAT!

Anyway, the real reason for this post is this. I ran across the info. about this race today and I really wish we were going to be in Arizona so I could run it. But, maybe next year. And here is a link about the Louis Tewanima.

Well, I'm Addicted

I have been running off and on since I bought my Vibrams a few weeks ago. But Monday I got serious and decided it was time to begin training for a half-marathon October 23. I'm still a little unsure if I will be ready or not (after only two days of training) but I have to give it a shot.

Monday I ran 3 miles wearing my Five Fingers and then took them off, walked and ran off and on for 2+ more miles. My right knee hurt afterward, but I think my form is just off a bit.

Tuesday I went to the gym and just used the machines. Boring.

Wednesday (today) I ran again. But this time I started off barefoot. I managed 2 miles before I thought it best to put the shoes back on. I can't afford an injury or nasty blisters if I am training. And I have also discovered that I can't afford to bring my dog with me running. My time running with Vibrams and barefoot is already A LOT slower than when I ran with my asics, so I can't afford to slow down any extra, let alone turn around to find the dumb, wandering dog. This was the first run I have done since calibrating my nike+ and it will be interesting to see how correct it is once I run without any distractions. But for now, my time tonight was a little discouraging. That said, my goal is just to finish the half-marathon. I don't need to have a record time or anything. I can do that!

So Far

I won't flatter myself and say that I'm sure all 3 of my readers are dying to know about my progress running with my new shoes, but I am going to post my info. anyway, in case anyone out there is slightly curious.

Before I bought my Vibrams I was running 10Ks, so even though I needed new shoes badly and was interested in the whole idea behind the Five Fingers, I was sad to have to start all over again. And I have had to start all over. It is an entirely different game running barefoot/with minimalist footwear. But I'm not sorry.

Since getting them I have only spent about 5 min. not barefoot or in my Vibrams. Each day I spend time walking on the asphalt or dirt roads barefoot. I even run a bit on the asphalt. And today I ran 2 miles in my Five Fingers. I always feel like I can run a bit more, but I don't want to push myself too fast. And its a good thing because after my run this morning I do feel tight in my leg and feet muscles that I use differently to run barefoot.

Overall, I am still loving the shoes and very excited about the possibility of training for a half marathon come fall.

An Introduction...

I began thinking last night that most people who read my other blog, don't know the new me: the organic eating, barefoot running, non microwave using, essential oil smelling girl. Hence this blog. It will be one that dabbles in a bit of this and that while always staying under the theme: The Way Nature Intended.

I'm Impulsive

It's true.
I jump into ideas having only taken a few minutes/hours/days to briefly look into the facts about something before I've purchased it, or begun suchandsuch. In fact, its a very good thing we don't have money because I might be tempted to spend more of it on bigger things rather than small splurges of pretended new obsessions.

And running barefoot/with my Vibrams is no different. I spent an evening at a friend's and talked the shoes over for about an hour; took a quick run around the block in a pair; bought a pair the next day.

That said, some part of me wants to scream that this time I'll be different. This time I will be committed. But not even 48 hours after buying my Vibrams I am sabbotaging myself by eating too much and gaining back every ounce I lost over the past week of dieting and exercising.

Why do I do that to myself? I don't know. But perhaps barefoot running will help me in the process. This is going to be my journey.