Don't wear gloves and use Play-Doh

Do you know Play-Doh? That gooey, squishy, moldable substance that was so fun to play with as a kid. Imagine playing with Play-Doh while wearing thick gloves. Using Play-Doh with gloves is a completely different experience than without gloves. Without gloves, your fingers get to touch and experience the wonderful sensations of that unique mystery goo.

Wearing shoes while you run is like wearing gloves while using Play-Doh. You can do it, but you don't get the full experience.

I'm not a runner

I never loved running. I never even liked it! I used to run because I felt that it's good for me. Running was completely functional. After a run, I felt like I had a great workout. But during the run, I couldn't wait for it to be over. Running was never enjoyable, but I forced myself to do it.

I always preferred short distances because a) I didn't like running, and b) I would get tired quickly. My usual run, even during my highly athletic years, was 1.5 - 2.5 km. This is a light warmup for anyone that calls themself a runner. I looked at running as purely a functional way to increase my heart rate.

My journey to barefoot

Then I found barefoot running. Now I enjoy running.

Yes, barefoot running means without shoes with bare skin to ground. It creates a different sensation when your move your body—just like Play-Doh creates a different sensation when you don't use gloves.

Our bodies evolved to run, without shoes. As hunters and gatherers, and potential prey, we learned how to run—and our bodies are pretty good at it! Using shoes was never part of our evolutionary design, and therefore, our bodies are not built to run with shoes.

For the past year, I've cycled through less and less fabric on my feet.

Normal running shoes --> Fibram FiveFinger shoes --> Earth Runners sandals --> Barefoot

I enjoyed running more with each stage of footwear removal. Now I don't wear shoes and I can't imagine myself going back.

(Side note: I highly recommend Earth Runners. When I have to use footwear, I always prefer to wear Earth Runners).

I read Barefoot Running Step by Step* and learned about the benefits of running barefoot. Then I read Born to Run * (recommended by Web Bae), which motivated me to continue running.

Am I becoming a runner?

When I ran my 1.5 - 2 km, I would be 'done' after it. I didn't stop because I wanted to, I stopped because I needed to. I never imagined doubling that distance because I could barely handle it.

After I took my shoes off and changed my running form, I noticed an instant improvement in my running endurance. After that first barefoot run, I felt great and excited. I was not tired and I wanted to continue running.

Now I'm thinking of all different places around the city where I can run. Maybe I'm transforming into a runner? We'll see.

What's next?

My goal in 2024 is to finish a public 10K race, of course barefoot.

This is a surprising goal for me as just a few months ago I would laugh at this idea.