tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44137080777596964202024-02-07T21:54:56.188-06:00Barefoot TatmanI ramble as I rumble on the trails of life . . . barefootTatmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03671544914619664856noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413708077759696420.post-13242237817774258652012-10-01T11:07:00.000-05:002012-10-01T11:07:32.383-05:00Barefoot weekendIt started Friday night. My wife and I set up our booth of wares(lacemaking, embroidered jewelry) at the annual Autumn Artwalk in our little town. Of course I take this opportunity to bare my feet with freedom throughout the whole event. A lot of people know me to go bf most places in town. So I enjoyed the socializing, the food, the wine, the atmosphere. You can see a couple photos of me demonstrating my lace work barefoot here:
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Then on Saturday we took a trip to an historical town 20 miles from us to look at the vendors at the statehouse. We used to do this show. Lots of fluffy grass to trample on the state house lawn while talking with our demonstrator friends. And then ended the day by going 1.5 hours north to Clinton, IL to the Apple Pork Festival. This was a real treat for my feet. Lots of roads, grass and gravel to trek through while viewing all the artisan booths and flea market booths. We did go into the historical museum which is an 1800s Italianate style house. They didn't have any problems with me going in their with my bare feet. I know they noticed, but didn't say anything. Trekked through hardwood floors and carpet and brick down in the basement while viewing several decorated rooms as it might have looked like back then. The curators were really nice. And the plus was that my wife(who tolerates me) didn't say a thing! ;)Tatmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03671544914619664856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413708077759696420.post-14487671792021284152012-06-12T14:20:00.001-05:002012-06-12T14:21:16.994-05:00Rock n Roll Chicago Half Marathon<div id= "gfmwidget8949"><a href="http://www.gofundme.com/fundraising-ideas">Fundraising Ideas</a></div><script type="text/javascript">var rand=Math.random ();var widgetproto = ("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https:" : "http:"; document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='"+widgetproto+"//funds.gofundme.com/index.php?route=widgets/typeb&d=8949&c=0&url=/Rock-n-Roll-Chicago-Half&t=3&v="+rand+"' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));</script>
I am getting into running several half marathons with the encouragement and support from my friends. I only do half marathons/5Ks that are geared to a charity or cause. You can help support my love of running and the donations I receive will be used to get into these events and that money will help contribute to charities respective causes. This particular cause is for the Rock n Roll Chicago Half Marathon coming up July 22nd. Go to their website to see the details of the event and what charities are involved:
<A HREF="http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/chicago">Rock n Roll Chicago Half Marathon</A>Tatmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03671544914619664856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413708077759696420.post-24399675289652924362012-04-16T12:35:00.000-05:002012-04-16T12:35:42.299-05:00My First Half Marathon!My running partner has been nagging at me to get involved in races. Now I think I have got the bug! It was the Go! St. Louis marathon/half marathon. Actually my first professionally race of this magnitude I have participated in. I was SO excited. I wasn't even going to be participating. I was going to be my running partner's cheerleader on the sides. Saturday evening we went to the Expo to pick up his packet. I naturally came barefooted as I usually do. No comments or looks of horror. Felt natural and well accepted on SLU campus. We had a good look around at the vendor's booths after picking his packet up. We were about to leave and we ran into some friends of ours from our hometown. Didn't expect that! They immediately asked if I was going to run, and more specifically if I was going to run barefoot. They know me as a barefoot runner. I told them that I was just Richard's cheerleader. Come to find out that one of their spouses wasn't able to make it to the race and they had in their hands the bib and number. They freely offered it to me and encouraged me to go for it. WOW!! What a blessing! One problem, the entree was for the full marathon and his position was for elite runner. OH BOY!! They explained to me that I can downgrade. So my friend and I went to the desk to see about that. No problem!! So I was "in like Flynn"!! WOOHOO!! Ok....now I got nervous. I hadn't been really training for a half marathon. And two days before I did a nice 8 miler and felt good. But before that week I didn't do anything. Could I really do this??? I couldn't look a gift horse in the mouth. I will do the half and have fun and get what experience I can out of it. So I picked my running partner's brain on how I should prepare myself the night before and the morning of. I tried to sleep well, but I was too excited and I kept waking up almost every hour hoping it was time to get up for race day.<br />
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We got up at 4am and headed off at 5am to St. Louis and the festivities. I got my gear packed, was dressed, sans shoes, got my bib pinned to my shirt. Felt good about it, yet still nervous. A good nervous. This year's running crowd was up to 15,000. It is one of the biggest in the nation and I was finally a part of it! I couldn't believe this was happening. I was very alert and on the look out for any other barefoot runners. I came prepared and my feet were ready to accept the streets. We walked around to find the porta potties for one last time. Then we picked a spot on the park lawn in front of the corrals to do some stretching. Already I was getting some people noticing me and my barefeet. This isn't unusual, but in a big city and at a running event, this was new to me. Not too many comments that I noticed. I was still soaking in all the excitement!<br />
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It was time for us to get into the corrals 10 minutes before the race. All the while my running partner was explaining me how it all worked. I am sure I appeared to be a newbie. That and the fact I was the only barefoot runner in my general vicinity. I got some interesting looks but not much chatter at the beginning. I was intimidated by some of the beefed up looking runners that were around me. I am just a skinny kid who just likes to run barefoot. So my expectations weren't over zealous and I knew that I was here to run for fun and to experience the excitement. So my intimidation was easily swayed into joy. I am sure I showed it on my face. ;) I did have one fella who was behind me come up to me and talk to me about this one runner who was part of the St. Louis running club that runs in Forest Park who runs barefoot, even in winter. He didn't have a name, but I bet he is on the running groups list. He commended me in my bravery and that was pretty much it. I felt good, was still excited about the whole thing and was waiting for them to get on with the race. Seemed like those 10 minutes took forever! HAH.<br />
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Finally came time for the race and we all walked up closer to the starting gate. I felt like we were already like a herd of cattle. This made it even more so. After the starting sound went off we slowly made up our paces and we were off. All 15,000 of us. For the first mile I was able to keep up with my running partner. But soon found that I had better stick with my own comfortable pace and let him go. It was quite invigorating to run the streets of a big city that I have driven so many times. And to be in such close quarters with like minded people. At first I tried to keep up with a few that were close to my pace. It wasn't long before my comfortable pace started feeling like I was the slow one of the pack. Runners kept passing me up. But I was ok with that. I was enjoying the run and comraderie and the sights of the event to make a big deal of it. So I stuck to my pace and watched the menagerie of runners go forth. I soon took notice of all the different shoes they had on. Some low rise, some high and ridiculously cushioned shoes. I only saw a few minimalist shoes and one VFF shoes run past me. I am sure there were others. But so far I felt like the only barefoot runner. Which is ok by me. I was getting lots of compliments and comments like "I give you the props". But none of the comments were negative. I even heard some of the spectators cheer me on. It was quite encouraging and possibly one of my motivations to keep going.<br />
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Soon after mile 5 I was starting to feel a bit drained. It was good that there were water/gatoraide stations almost every mile. The first station I took gatoraide. Mistake. I didn't like what it did for my thirst. So I opted for just water on the other stations. Was a bit difficult to drink and run at the same time. I managed not to snort the water, but dumped about half of it on me. Oh well. What was sad was the sea of empty cups that I had to run over. I don't like littering. But was forced to and followed what everyone else did. WHAT A MESS! I mentioned to one person I ran beside, "it was like playing 'kick the can'". <br />
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I never realized how hilly St. Louis was until I started running the streets. LONG hills and thank goodness for the down hill. Many times I felt like the hill was going to take me. I passed several who walked the hill rather than face it. I kept plugging along on my normal slow(8:50-9:00 min/pace) up and down the hills. It was about the 8.5-9 mile marker that I finally felt like I should make a pit stop at one of the porta potties that was at one of the watering stations. That took 1:30 minutes off my counter. But I stopped my watch for that break and I wasn't counting it. Did my business and I started my watch back up, grabbed a cup of water to spill out over me and continued on with the race. It wasn't too long after I started feeling really run down. But I kept plugging along. It helped that I would get occasional "thumbs up" and good comments from those that seemed to whoosh past me. But was also equally gratifying was that later on up the streets I would find them walking along side for a breather. I would then pass them HAH. But still at this point, most were slowly passing me and I was not the least worried about it. I kept my pace and was still enjoying the run even though I was starting to feel some tightness in the knee. Feet still felt good!<br />
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All the while I was running, I was looking at the spectators to see if I could recognize the families of some of my friends that were also running. I didn't find my running friends or their families the entire race. But I was surprised to find an old friend of mine that I forgot lived in the area. I eased over to the side and surprised her and we did a hand slap and off I went. Not sure she knew I ran barefoot and wasn't going to stop my pace to chat.<br />
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The last three miles were a bit grueling as they were mostly up hill and long. I could see the St. Louis Arch in the distance and that kept me going. Yet it still seemed far away. As I passed 11 mile marker I knew it was getting close. Still a bit up hill. I was determined to finish the race. I only made one pit stop, thinking before hand that i would have to make several. As I was nearing the last mile I looked down at my watch and noticed that I was just under the 2 hour time. At that point I started picking up my pace. I really wanted to finish within the 2 hours. Nearing the last half mile I mustered enough energy to really hoof it and I lengthened my stride, yet kept my form. I soon realized I was passing all these worn out runners. MAN did that feel good!! I basically sprinted my way to the finish. I wasn't paying attention to what people were saying, even though I heard lots of cheering, but that was expected at this leg of the race.<br />
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I MADE IT!!! OH JOY!!! I stopped my watch and I was just 20 seconds over my 2 hours. DARN!!! Of course the official counter from my bib showed that I was 1 min, 39 sec over. That is ok. I was elated and glad I finished. My heart was pounding from that last sprint and my body felt like collapsing, but I kept walking it off. I walked on over to the water station and picked up my finishing medal as I was still trying to catch my breath.<br />
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Now to go find my running partner who invariable skunked me with his pace. I did manage to find him in that big crowd. He told me his finishing time, which to his disappointment was not good. He was having a bad running day. But he made it anyways. I tried to console him and glad I was there for him, like he was there for me all throughout the process. We had our snacks, drank our free beer and headed over to get our picture taken. At this point I wanted to get a picture of my feet, like so many barefoot runners do. So I had my partner take the picture.<br />
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We started heading back to the car and I mentioned to my partner about the St. Louis Union Station. He had never been in it, So I showed him the wonderful sites of the place. This was fun to walk barefoot around a place like this. Cool tile floors and carpet. We were still in our running gear with our medals around our necks. Saw several other runners taking a break in the station as we were. As we were heading out of the place while glancing at some of the stores, I noticed out of the corner of my eye one of those mall cops. I acted like I didn't notice, but he sure noticed me with my bare legs and feet. He got my attention and asked me to put shoes on. I told him without hesitation I didn't have any shoes. He got this smirk on his face with surprise and then asked if I was going to be leaving soon. I assured him we were just on our way out. I didn't want to make a scene. My friend was used to me being barefoot, but not in such a public place as this and I didn't want to make him feel uncomfortable. I guess he wasn't. I mentioned to him that I haven't had anyone approach me and this was a first. We headed on out the door and walked around the fountain and bridge area of the Union Station. My friend was really impressed with the place.<br />
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WHile driving home we passed by Horseshoe Lake SP and my friend hadn't known about that. So we did a little tour of the park and he was impressed. He isn't from this area originally and doesn't get out much. Except to do marathons ;) I have to show him more of what this area of the country has. And he will show me how fun half marathons/marathons can be!Tatmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03671544914619664856noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413708077759696420.post-63670246568034138902012-02-22T10:00:00.000-06:002012-02-22T10:00:52.998-06:00Sh*t Runners Say to Barefoot RunnersMy friend Steven Sashen does it again! HILARIOUS!<br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/erorsuyJKiQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Tatmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03671544914619664856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413708077759696420.post-25956729968287529572012-02-02T09:43:00.001-06:002012-02-02T09:43:55.070-06:00<a href="http://www.InvisibleShoe.com/go/Tatman/fbe821ca" target="_top"><img src="http://www.invisibleshoe.com/affiliates/accounts/default1/banners/SBRS-banner.jpg" alt="Sh*t Barefoot Runners Say -- FUNNY!" title="Sh*t Barefoot Runners Say -- FUNNY!" width="336" height="280" /></a><img style="border:0" src="http://www.invisibleshoe.com/affiliates/scripts/imp.php?aid=Tatman&bid=fbe821ca" width="1" height="1" alt="" />Tatmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03671544914619664856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413708077759696420.post-80127356837087414352011-11-21T13:40:00.001-06:002011-11-21T13:42:18.261-06:00Special AnnouncementRight now I am almost 90% barefoot every day, whether it is walking or running or any daily activity. But there are times when I must comply with society and wear something on my feet. Such as work dictates I wear something or some stores require it. And in some cases my wife doesn't want to be seen with me in my glorious natural God-given feet. So I opt to wear <a HREF="http://www.InvisibleShoe.com/go/Tatman">Invisible Shoes</A> for my preferred method of shoddiness. While at work I only put them on if I have to go from point A to point B. Otherwise I free my feet under my desk. And in the really cold winter months I will put on tapi socks that work well with these sandals. Sometimes my feet can only tolerate so much.<br />
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But I also want to let you in on a sale that <a HREF="http://www.InvisibleShoe.com/go/Tatman">Invisible Shoes</A> is having. It is their 2nd year anniversary. If you find that you HAVE to wear something on your feet, then make a good choice. Click on the link and help celebrate with them. Go check them out!!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbkJX02nyydubOleeYYBFk0oxlUwjliPkZvAcYbMu4s_DE9uYA6nch2-aJsKpZXJgpGEiLxAyHn_Cqp0xkFVMd8QocX6XVtb9kbENjK4e0BWViH4DZPI-p9Va_IMfspEYGTx2yFdRV-ik/s1600/226132_10150253695028867_649343866_7686678_1339703_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbkJX02nyydubOleeYYBFk0oxlUwjliPkZvAcYbMu4s_DE9uYA6nch2-aJsKpZXJgpGEiLxAyHn_Cqp0xkFVMd8QocX6XVtb9kbENjK4e0BWViH4DZPI-p9Va_IMfspEYGTx2yFdRV-ik/s320/226132_10150253695028867_649343866_7686678_1339703_n.jpg" /></a></div>Tatmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03671544914619664856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413708077759696420.post-8091761217595636592011-11-18T13:01:00.002-06:002011-11-18T13:03:42.030-06:00Tapi SocksFor cold weather I made these Tapi socks(Ninja style) out of some old black ankle sports socks. They work great to wear with my <A HREF="http://www.InvisibleShoe.com/go/Tatman">Invisible Shoes</A>(huaraches) or when I am biking to work in sub degree temps.<br />
Here is how I made them: Turn the socks inside out and put them on. With needle and thread, stay stitched a V in the area between the big toe and other toes. Take them off and clip the channel. Serge them(or zig zag stitch) on a serge maching/sewing machine. Turned then right side out and VOILA!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW6S8XLdTv_ospHjdGZ3-RAqrico-Zsx-Am97uQKKKG1aaERPlBYZBUGJ8slK-OIvqqA6yZXmGmWqkbdBb8_OhfYOkVhjak14LGoi30jvBbYBmUPwwOg_3Zw6g6KTjmqXcncATHB0ukspY/s1600/tapi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW6S8XLdTv_ospHjdGZ3-RAqrico-Zsx-Am97uQKKKG1aaERPlBYZBUGJ8slK-OIvqqA6yZXmGmWqkbdBb8_OhfYOkVhjak14LGoi30jvBbYBmUPwwOg_3Zw6g6KTjmqXcncATHB0ukspY/s320/tapi.jpg" /></a></div>Tatmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03671544914619664856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413708077759696420.post-66921599243337100082011-11-02T10:36:00.004-05:002011-11-02T10:37:32.204-05:00Barefoot Tatman on FacebookCHECK HIM OUT ! ! !<br />
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<div class="fb-like" data-href="http://www.facebook.com/barefoot.tatman" data-send="true" data-width="450" data-show-faces="true" data-font="lucida grande"></div><a HREF="http://barefoot.tatman.facebook.com">BAREFOOT.TATMAN</A>Tatmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03671544914619664856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413708077759696420.post-59827308388283293362011-10-24T11:08:00.002-05:002011-10-24T11:08:25.649-05:00Photos from GC Panther 5K<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0" bgcolor="#ffffff"><tr><td><a href="http://smilebox.com/play/4d6a637a4e546b324d54513d0d0a&blogview=true&campaign=blog_playback_link" target="_blank"><img width="386" height="303" alt="Click to play this Smilebox slideshow" src="http://smilebox.com/snap/4d6a637a4e546b324d54513d0d0a.jpg" style="border: medium none ;"/></a></td></tr><tr><td><a href="http://www.smilebox.com/?partner=yahoo&campaign=blog_snapshot" target="_blank"><img width="386" height="46" alt="Create your own slideshow - Powered by Smilebox" src="http://www.smilebox.com/globalImages/blogInstructions/blogLogoSmileboxSmall.gif" style="border: medium none ;"/></a></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><a href="http://www.smilebox.com/" target="_blank">Free slideshow</a> generated with Smilebox</td></tr></table>Tatmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03671544914619664856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413708077759696420.post-58911941263045274922011-10-18T12:17:00.000-05:002011-10-18T12:17:52.163-05:00Morning of Panther 5k RunAll went really well this past Saturday at the Panther 5K run. Since it was in my home town, I walked(BF) to GC campus where the event is. Wanted to get myself and my feet warmed up. The temp was in the low 40s and chilly. I dressed warm on the top half and my feet were fine. Registration started at 6:45am-7:45am. I was too anxious and was up at 5:30am. So I got ready and got to campus at 7am. Not too many people there yet. So I registered and got my packet with t-shirt, number panel and picked up the ankle bracelet with the running chip. The odd thing was that they wrote my age on my calf with a marker. HUH??? They said it was so that we could identify our classmates and age group. Ok. But us in the 40 and older group weren't thrilled about this. HAHA. It was a fun topic to talk about. This was new to me since I haven't been in an event like this. <br />
Toes still a little chilly. So I headed over to the student union to warm up and do my stretches while I wait for more to show up. I was looking for my running buddies, but they were here yet. I did run into other people I knew and chatted. Yes, the usual comment of "you running barefoot?!!!" and I do my mantra. This was a college homecoming race, so I got to see some of my class mates. And none of them knew I am a BFer or run BF. So they were shocked and interested.<br />
Finally my running buddies show up 20 min before the race starts and they get their stuff. The 5k run was all around the the town streets(which I have run many times before, so no surprises). The 5k run coordinators had us gather up on the street in front of the campus. My buddies and me gathered up toward the front which was fine with me. The blowhorn started and we headed off. One of my buddies is a really fast runner and has done marathons before. He took off like a light, so let him go. I wasn't sure if the others would stick around. For about a mile I was with some of them, but we eventually took our own pace and separated. Which is fine. I wasn't there for speed, but more for the fun and experience. Only two of my running buddies kept way ahead of me and I didn't try to catch up. I just kep my pace. My feet felt fine and I tried to push it more than I usually do. There wasn't much chatter, altho I tried to initiate some as I passed them or others that tried to pass me. There were quite a few kids taking part in it. It was a family event as well. One boy of about 10 stuck with me for most of the race. It felt good that I got to pass some of those close to my age. Of course I expected that those younger than me and more experienced would pass me. I did take note of those passing me with their age number on their leg. Only two in my age group passed me. I think the others in my age group must have already been ahead of me from the start.<br />
As I neared the end of the race I tried to keep my form, yet push my limits a bit more and concentrate on getting a good speed. I rounded the corner and went down the long path to the finish line. That one 10yo boy and another were on my heels(literally) as we three passed over the finish line. I was slightly a barefoot ahead of them. I ran passed the finish and did a few "high-fives" with my buddies that had already finished. I FELT GREAT! <br />
We checked the stats that were already posted(which was fast posting) and I got 22 overall placement. I got 5th place in my 40-49 age group. My time was 23:43:25(23 min) with a pace of 7:39/min. WOW! I must have been pushing it. I never run that fast(BF) before. I usually do 8:30 or more.<br />
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I don't have any pics to show you and hoping the the event coordinators or the college will post pics soon. It was a great experience and I hope to someday do more 5ks, and better yet do half marathons. It will be many of my goals as a BF runner.<br />
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Here are some pics I took of me and my running buddies:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRq0h-gi8a9oRNmiXM2PUnaVnN1DOmlRw8n_R1N9U-8CrSBi055jm7nnbqJAIUk68m0mvr7yNwrPThAxDQXr-wOXdt6kug2YJw8J3lZMM_YltkuzjYy1tO4wfOw0we7kUwCsbQcTB9uRTu/s1600/P10-15-11_09.00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRq0h-gi8a9oRNmiXM2PUnaVnN1DOmlRw8n_R1N9U-8CrSBi055jm7nnbqJAIUk68m0mvr7yNwrPThAxDQXr-wOXdt6kug2YJw8J3lZMM_YltkuzjYy1tO4wfOw0we7kUwCsbQcTB9uRTu/s320/P10-15-11_09.00.jpg" /></a></div>Tatmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03671544914619664856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413708077759696420.post-31454215108073216402011-10-14T10:19:00.000-05:002011-10-14T10:19:08.253-05:00Panther 5k RunTomorrow morning will be my first official “professionally” organized 5k run while barefoot. It is the <A HREF="http://www.active.com/running/greenville-il/panther5k-2011?cmp=1745">Panther 5k</A> and will be at Greenville College and wind through the streets of Gville and end back up on campus. Several of my friends(shod) who I run with on Saturdays and other days of the week have encouraged me to take part in this 5k. Some of them I think want me there being the only BFR they know and is a novelty. OH WELL! I don’t mind that. I go just to have fun. I don’t worry about time. They do and they may pass me by as they work the clock. I hope to take pictures and give a report sometime next week.Tatmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03671544914619664856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413708077759696420.post-39048396078314381152011-09-15T12:51:00.001-05:002011-09-15T12:54:30.403-05:00Family Fun 5K RunI finally got my copy of the video my church put on back in April 2011 of the Family Fun 5K Run. It was my first ever group run/race going barefoot. This exerpt I extracted that pertain to my barefoot running.<br />
<br />
ENJOY!!<br />
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<iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/loko7owrVas?hl=en&fs=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Tatmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03671544914619664856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413708077759696420.post-2368504168826308822011-08-30T08:29:00.002-05:002011-08-30T08:29:47.305-05:00<script src="http://www.dailymile.com/people/tatmantats/training/widget.js" type="text/javascript"></script><noscript><a href="http://www.dailymile.com/people/tatmantats" title="Running Training Log"><img alt="Running Training Log" src="http://www.dailymile.com/images/badges/dailymile_badge_180x60_orange.gif" style="border: 0;" /></a></noscript>Tatmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03671544914619664856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413708077759696420.post-90578382520954299702011-08-01T14:49:00.000-05:002011-08-01T14:49:52.399-05:00Video of me and my New Invisible ShoesHere is a video I made up of my review and show how I lace up my new Invisible Shoes.<br />
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<iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/mr0CtaCFDus?hl=en&fs=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
Now I can enjoy them!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyhwJdfgk0mZaeXEYj32yLgd6vMvovpLHT2GeqnyaiqNikpjiyfPWPNmvB1lEEMnfswbBTnSywoV7GzKhDLNMus_EJEOPPOnphFyjSv7_rAdXVML7L9cKBmGitY8DOFhdYicVzLGMXP-i-/s1600/NewInvisibleShoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyhwJdfgk0mZaeXEYj32yLgd6vMvovpLHT2GeqnyaiqNikpjiyfPWPNmvB1lEEMnfswbBTnSywoV7GzKhDLNMus_EJEOPPOnphFyjSv7_rAdXVML7L9cKBmGitY8DOFhdYicVzLGMXP-i-/s320/NewInvisibleShoes.jpg" /></a></div>Tatmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03671544914619664856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413708077759696420.post-49624949506619984552011-08-01T10:03:00.001-05:002011-08-01T10:03:06.336-05:00Running with a PartnerThis morning was the first for me to run with a partner. I normally run alone. Not by choice, but never had the chance to find a running partner.....until now. We have lots of people in my community that run(shod, I am the only BFR that I have observed) and most of them run by themselves. Some with partners. I have always wanted to run with someone else. Good motivational time to run, chat about whatever and helps you keep on track. Out there by yourself, you have only you and the wide open space to motivate you. That is nice most of the time. But I am just experiencing what some others go through when running with someone. Trying to keep with their pace, or vice versa, and learning to talk while running. This is a big challenge for me since I have trouble at the moment breathing with this high humidity and heat. But chatting and running at the same time really helped me concentrate on my breathing. Also the benefits of comradery and fellowship with another.<br />
When I met my new found running partner he almost forgot that I run barefoot, until I came to his door. HAHA He had no problem with it and I had no problem with his shod feet. Good thing we both run at the same pace. That is a good factor when choosing a running partner. That you learn to keep a good pace that both of you agree on. In our chatting he told me he tried to run barefoot for about a half mile earlier this summer. He ended up with blisters. Decided it wasn’t his thing. I consoled him and told him that it takes time and a bit of training your body and feet. But I didn’t want to push him into anything that he wasn’t ready for. I did glance down at his running gate and he has good form. Maybe a little too much on his heels, but still bends good at the knees. He has been on the cross country team, soccer and tennis, so knows about form and such. He is a bit longer legged than me, so it was hit and miss for a stretch for us to get in synch. I should mention that this guy is half my age, if that. I worked with him when he was going through high school and is a sophomore in college now. At least our energy levels are the same!!Tatmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03671544914619664856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413708077759696420.post-64305196750966133152011-06-28T16:26:00.000-05:002011-06-28T16:26:03.522-05:00Interesting encounterLast night while on one of my runs(I normally run in the morning, less<br />
traffic) I encounter new people on the road. Meaning I encounter new<br />
drivers passing by me, either waving or staring. This one car slowed down<br />
to a stop right in the middle of the road letting other cars pass her and<br />
the driver leaned over to the passenger window motioning to talk to her.<br />
She said in a calm and seriously concerned voice with an expression on her<br />
face that matched, ³I hate to see you run in your barefeet. It scares me.²<br />
I consoled her and started in on my little mini-talk about how I got into<br />
BFR. All the while she kept up her worried look at me saying how scared she<br />
was for me and how she hated to see me running and she wished I was running<br />
on the side of the road in the grass. I told her not to be scared and that<br />
I love it and that I can¹t see any of the junk in the grass. The road is<br />
completely clear for me to see where I run. I even showed her the bottom of<br />
my foot(my good foot, not the one with a slight callus...didn¹t want to<br />
scare her more!) She is a runner also and she said she knows how messed up<br />
her feet got running on the asphalt roads and wanted to encourage me to get<br />
really good ortho shoes. I told her that is why I got into BFR, because<br />
they were hurting my feet, knees and hip. HAH. So as we departed, she<br />
reiterated her concern for my feet. It was a no win situation to talk her<br />
into something but we had a good conversation. She had her 5ish year old<br />
daughter in the back seat just staring at me in amusement. I was probably quite a sight anyways. Dripping wet from sweat, no shirt on. Just my running shorts and cap to keep the sweat off my brow and arm band that holds my cellphone and iPod. I probabaly looked like a naked jaybird running down the streets HAHA.<br />
I can only conjecture that as they continued home that she was giving her daughter a<br />
lecture about not ever wanting to see her daughter out barefoot running<br />
HAHA.Tatmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03671544914619664856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413708077759696420.post-64709083552026801382011-06-01T08:48:00.000-05:002011-06-01T08:48:21.420-05:00National Running Day<a href="http://www.mapmyrun.com/workout/48433432/">National Running Day on 2011-06-01 | Running Log | MapMyRUN</a><br /><br />!!!!! HAPPY NATIONAL RUNNING DAY !!!!!Tatmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03671544914619664856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413708077759696420.post-2572213283550869962011-04-18T12:52:00.000-05:002011-04-18T12:52:00.220-05:00Family Fun 5K Run<a href="http://www.mapmyrun.com/workout/43152310/">Family Fun 5K run on 2011-04-16 | Running Log | MapMyRUN</a><br />
<br />
Have to share with you my first race/run that happened this past Saturday. My first race running barefoot that is!! And I start out small.......not jumping into half or full marathon yet!! It was a 5k run put on by my church and for the community. It was titled “Family Fun 5k Run”. This is its 4th year and I have run this event shod before. But this time since I have started running barefoot, I wanted to do this event as such. I was a bit nervous, because most of the people I know at this church, and even fellow runners in the community don’t know that I run barefoot. Some have seen me, but never let on they know. ;) I was nervous because I wasn’t sure what comments I would get knowing that I would be the only one barefoot(at least in my community). <br />
I am familiar with the route since it hasn’t changed much from previous years. Another reason I was nervous was because most of the country roads that we run on are chip seal and rough gravel. I usually avoid those roads on my running routes. And this 5k route wasn’t any different. So I was mulling it over in my mind what I should do. I came in wearing my huaraches sandals as many people see me wearing them all the time. I could use them for part of the run on those spots that are just too much for my feet to bear. But I don’t like holding them for a long run. I will just bite the bullet and do it and see how it goes. If I couldn’t stand the rough terrain on the roads then I would walk that section. Many thought I was going to run in them. I stated that I was going to go barefoot all the way. That got some gasps and questions of WHY. I explained my reasons for getting into barefoot running. Most thought I was crazy, but still excepted me as I am. <br />
The day of the 5k run was a chilly 43 F degrees with misty rain and no sun....Not anyone’s favorite time for a run in our case. And last weekend was so gorgeous and perfect, I think we expected this weekend to be the same. Don’t know why????? It is Spring. Very unpredictable! This resulted in not a big crowd as in other years. <br />
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The start of the race was on the main road that is smooth and I run on this road quite often. So that was easy peasy. Slowly it became clear who the fast runners were and who were there just to run for fun. So the already small crowd started dissipating and we seem to run in little groups or alone. Not much chatter going on! I kept my form/stance and pace as normal and found that I even passed some other runners. I was expecting to be slower than most. I wasn’t doing the race for time.....just for fun. The next turn went on one of the many chip seal roads I avoid. My brain was preparing for it. About a quarter of a mile of running on it and I began to think that really it wasn’t that bad. I could feel everything, but I was more concerned with the big cracks or stones. I was gaining some ground actually and came up on this girl runner who looks to be quite experienced in her form and our cadences matched. She was busy listening to her iPod, so no chatter there. A fun moment was this kid that would run up and pass us and then get easily winded and walk a bit until we passed him. Then he would run past us again and then walk. This would go on for at least a mile or so. I had a good chuckle to myself.<br />
The roads bent and curved on more chip seal roads(which I have run before, only shod) and I was doing ok. The part that really worried me was at the beginning of the last third of the run. It was very large gravel and the weekend before I had tested my feet out on this road(knowing that it was the route the race was to be) and I just could NOT stand to even walk on that section. Didn’t know what I was going to do. I wanted to do this run totally barefoot and since I decided not to take my sandals, no turning back! Could be in part of my pride showing and didn’t want to feel any more like a fool than I was HAHA. So when I got to this section, there was some slope in the ditch with grass and I ran on that for the distance. There were lots of rocks scattered in the grass and I had to take extra care not to hurt myself. The last mile was a breeze and much more to my liking. They made a trail in the pastures leading up to the church and finish line. It was muddy, wet with lots of puddles. OH SUCH GOOEY mess and I enjoyed running on that every minute!! Especially having to endure the chip and seal roads and gravel from the other miles. Felt like butter! The race coordinator stated that if any runners that didn’t want to get their shoes muddy, could run on the road that was marked from previous years. I am thinking to myself.....well then......they should just take their shoes off!!! There were a few shod runners that took the muddy trail into the finish.<br />
My finish time was about 29 minutes. Not that great since I usually do a 23-25 min 5k. But I had some obstacles to overcome. But I must say that my feet held out just fine and they didn’t hurt after the run and no blisters. So I guess my form was good. Now that the race/run was over and I went in to pick up my fun packet, I got to hear more comments and be asked all kinds of questions about how the run went, what it was like to run barefoot for that length, what my feet feel like....yadda yadda yadda. Now I was experiencing a lot of the same comments that I read about from all of you during a race! I even got an interview with the church videographer for the website!!! I did a brief explanation and he pans down to my grassy wet feet as I explain what barefoot running means to me and why I do it. I gave a few people that were really interested the websites to look up. One person in particular was interested because she has had some recurring problems with her knees and hips. So hopefully I will have recruited some more barefoot runners in my area and I won’t feel alone!! Would be great to have a club start! But I will be happy that there is just more people out there enjoying the benefits and to see that there is more to running than just speed and distance.Tatmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03671544914619664856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413708077759696420.post-82030529136201141182011-04-03T11:01:00.000-05:002011-04-03T11:01:50.458-05:00Patriots Park Trail Run and Meditation<A HREF="http://www.dailymile.com/routes/609055-running-route-in-greenville-il">http://www.dailymile.com/routes/609055-running-route-in-greenville-il</A><br />
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This was a rough trail and I won't do it again. So many gravel stretches and the terrain was not forgiving. Good lesson though!! I did have a good meditation time half way through the run.<br />
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<A HREF="http://www.dailymile.com/routes/609068-running-route-in-greenville-il">http://www.dailymile.com/routes/609068-running-route-in-greenville-il</A><br />
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This road run right after the trail run felt like butter on the feet.Tatmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03671544914619664856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413708077759696420.post-28990644151501252282011-03-23T08:49:00.000-05:002011-03-23T08:49:58.103-05:00good mornnig run<a href="http://www.mapmyrun.com/workout/40683752/">Beautmont/4th/40/Hena on 2011-03-23 | Running Log | MapMyRUN</a><br /><br />After a long hiatus of being busy day and night and being exhausted to where I didn't get up in the mornings for runs, I ended up with the flu. The respirataory influenza type B flu! That is highly contagious and the doctor confined us to our house. Quarantined! So now I am trying to build my stamina back up. I think I might be a bit over zealous and the run turned longer than I should have. But I felt so good and just wanted to keep running. But my "coaches" said that I had enough and they were blistering. Yup, I have blisters. I will never learn. Or I will learn....the hard way. I actually had a tough part of the skin on one foot that was loose. Now there is a blister at that spot. But other than that, my other foot and the rest of the one foot is fine. I probably won't go out tomorrow morning just to let the foot heal. Live and learn!Tatmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03671544914619664856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413708077759696420.post-74650908091717810722011-02-28T15:15:00.000-06:002011-02-28T15:15:47.266-06:00Muddy Trail RunningI got inspired by a fellow BFR to do some muddy trail running. This past weekend was a good time for it. Not too cold(yet still was cold and so was the ground!) and we have had lots of rain. Good conditions for a muddy trail run. This was a first for me....3 times.<br />
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1) first time for trail running, barefoot<br />
2) first time for muddy trail running<br />
3) first time I have run on this trail<br />
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I got a bit disoriented while deep in the trail, but luckily my body has a built in compass and I knew generally where north was. So I didn't really get lost. Just took me a few turns to get to where I wanted to go.<br />
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I was all excited and really ready to get going on the trail. Felt like a little kid in a candy store!!! But I had to take some steps back and prepare myself. I always do my Qigong breathing exercises along with my usual stretching exercises. Helps me focus and really helps me in my breathing techniques. I have a low lung capacity, which is one reason I do it. Other reason it helps me relax. And since I was surrounded by nature and the sounds, that was double the pleasure!! When you click on my video you can hear the sounds of the cardinals and other birds, and honking of the geese. PEACEFUL!! I was the only one on that trail and that was a plus.<br />
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Here is the video of me preparing for my run with Qigong and I take you on my journey(abridged version) through my first muddy trail run<br />
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<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/3qg7GqEz6Aw?hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/3qg7GqEz6Aw?hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Tatmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03671544914619664856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413708077759696420.post-73402159621257964012011-02-17T08:25:00.000-06:002011-02-17T08:25:53.165-06:00My "coaches" say.....<a href="http://classic.mapmyrun.com/view_workout?w=594129795217887682">MapMyRun.com - Regular Run: Regular Run on 02/17/2011</a><br /><br />Yes...my coaches(feet) have a lot to say. One thing in particular is they DON'T like chip seal pavement! In my area/town, every other road is chip seal or rough asphalt and is rough on the tootsies. I have to go outside of town and in the country to run barefoot on smooth roads. How "bass-ackwards" is that??!! I didn't intend to run this long but I was feeling adventurous and wanted to do this route. Ended up being 4.5 miles. My feet were complaining the last half mile. Mainly because I was coming into town on rough asphalt. I had to check my coaches to see what they were complaining about. I figured as much. Blood blisters and one had opened up. Well.....time to do some foot therapy to get them healing and back to normal for when I go on my next run. Which probably will be about a week. Don't want to over work them and open up for more problems! So for now I will be walking lightly as every step is tender. OUCHIE! Live and learn. And I do learn well from my coaches. ;)Tatmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03671544914619664856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413708077759696420.post-32702014615586905582011-02-16T08:32:00.001-06:002011-02-16T08:33:44.063-06:00Meds for Arm and Getting Back to RunningIt has been almost two weeks since I have done any run, shod or unshod! The reason......I somehow pulled my trapezius muscle while working choreography with the musical director at the HS. So I was in pain from that muscle all the way down the arm and numb to my finger tips. After a week of trying to rest it and doing home therapy, I gave up and went to the doctor. He gave me 800mg of ibuprofen and muscle relaxers(Flexarol?). So I was doped up for about a week and I didn't think being on muscle relaxers and running was a smart idea! So I was pretty even keal for about a week and I am so happy to be off those meds! Still have the achy arm and sharp pains. Funny.....my arm doesn't hurt me when I run. I guess it has to do with the position of my arm and stance while running. But that is a good thing :)<br />
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<a href="http://classic.mapmyrun.com/training">MapMyRun.com - Training Log for tatmantats</a><br />
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This run went smoothly and no real problems. Still have to condition my feet to accept the chip seal roads from my house to two blocks away until I get on smooth roads. But once I hit the smooth road I was off and running! Only had enough time to do a 2.5 mile run before work. Met up with 3 other runners(shod) and two of them were in front of me toward the last leg of my run. But I caught up with them and past them just as I was cornering over to my house. Feels good to know that I can still run fairly fast barefoot. And I expected to have some signs of blisters on my feet. NADA! My feet were fine and they just were toughened up a bit from the roads. Not callused, just toughened. And that is a good thing. That also indicates that I must have been running correctly. YEAH!! Can't wait for my next run!Tatmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03671544914619664856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413708077759696420.post-10224404486681022682011-02-05T08:34:00.000-06:002011-02-05T08:34:29.998-06:00Snow RunThis morning we woke up to huge flakes and about 3 inches of fresh snow, on top of what we already had. The snow plows haven't even tried to come through our neighborhood. I just couldn't pass the opportunity to try another totally barefoot run in fresh snow. Last time I did was the middle of December and was my first experience. And it wasn't what I expected and I had to do a lot of nursing my feet. Learned from mistakes and had to learn from my feet. <br />
So this is my second chance and I am a little more prepared. After stretching I ran in place for a few minutes to get the circulation going. Check feet. Still not feeling like they are ready for a cold run in the snow. Toes feel stiff. So did another few minutes of running in place. Me: "Are you ready feet?" Feet: "Let's give it a shot". So we carefully crept out in the snow. Feet: "oh so soft! I like this, but a bit cold." Me: "let's go". Off we started to go around just one block. The snow was nice and I couldn't feel the chip seal pavement below...A PLUS!!! I don't like walking or running on it and I have to go a couple of blocks before I can start running on smooth roads. So this was a treat. Halfway around my feet said "I am stiffening up and really cold! Can we go in now?" Me: "let's finish this block". We rounded the corner and back up to the house. I had a towel waiting to dry off the feet and a bucket of cold water in case the feet needs refreshing. Feet: "I can't bend my toes!" A few wigglings and in the water to wiggle some more. Feet: "AHHH....we are getting there." The feet felt warm after this but the toes still were cold. So I ran in place again. <br />
Me: "You ready to try again around another block?" Feet: "You are joking!"...big pause to think...."Oh, ok". Off we went and the feet seemed a bit more accepting, yet still really cold to the point of stiffness. Back in the house we went to give them a rest and warm up. By this time the feet were warming up both internally and externally. This time neither of us hesitated and we wanted to give a good try and go longer. We both felt warm and good about it. We ended up running five blocks up the hill and back down before heading inside. Feet still complained of stiffness but was enjoying it.<br />
Snow is still coming down and I think we will call this a good run and I hope the plows don't come in our area because we would like to give this snow run another try. So soft and feels good on the feet.Tatmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03671544914619664856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413708077759696420.post-76647208027460296742011-01-31T11:39:00.002-06:002011-01-31T13:59:58.762-06:00Run like a Deer or Run like an OstrichThis past Saturday I did another trial run in my huarache sandals. Was trying to be more gentle and not so noisy, yet concentrate on my form. Here is a couple of videos of me working the huaraches<br />
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<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/JlnkTon8Vy0?hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/JlnkTon8Vy0?hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br />
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Try this again...<br />
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<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/DIArkOwJ5h4?hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/DIArkOwJ5h4?hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br />
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Sometimes I feel like I run like an ostrich. They run in a quirky way, toes first and not striking the heel. Like this video.<br />
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<iframe title="YouTube video player" class="youtube-player" type="text/html" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/1r-b8uY7C9E" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen></iframe><br />
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I much prefer barefoot running, so took them off for the second half of my run<br />
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<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/E7ECD-6YCEU?hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/E7ECD-6YCEU?hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br />
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After my run I took a look at my feet. No blisters this time!! Just dirt and grime from the roads. I must have been running with some decent form. I am proud of my feet for running well and supporting me!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-YXxSgM_aj4QNPQVDBkk80Uc0PBZIZrWpIvAfl0N_FPuZL7ekZzX0gMyQERqd3piMVJwPGAO8EHp_6S6LUPtRvKiOm632cgd7kw9DAn34UBgn7qpKb1TneksAq5ROOBemaqMmFRztRhP/s1600/myfeet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-YXxSgM_aj4QNPQVDBkk80Uc0PBZIZrWpIvAfl0N_FPuZL7ekZzX0gMyQERqd3piMVJwPGAO8EHp_6S6LUPtRvKiOm632cgd7kw9DAn34UBgn7qpKb1TneksAq5ROOBemaqMmFRztRhP/s320/myfeet.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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I still have a lot to learn and to improve on my form, yet still enjoy and experiment barefoot running.Tatmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03671544914619664856noreply@blogger.com0