Run Toward The ROAR!
Just in case you haven't figured this out, I love
metaphor! I think it is a wonderful vehicle to allow us to think and rationalize
who we are and what we can be. So often, I have attempted to explain to
interested runners the benefits of barefoot running I have experienced. You can
see them starting to get excited, but then the old "tapes" start playing in
their minds and it spills out of their respective mouths. "What about glass?"
Aren't you afraid that you will pick up some disease?" "I would surely stub
every toe on my feet!" The excuses go on and on. Those with such objections are
not ready to even try barefoot running. They have certain stereotypical fears
that our society (or their mothers) has ingrained in their brain.
I heard a guy speaking on fear years ago. He spoke of a savannah setting in
Africa where the ousted head of a pride could no longer defend his harem. Rather
than drive him off, some prides will actually use the old lion for their
advantage. The old lion is neither quick nor lethal, since his teeth have begun
to rot and decay. He no longer has the bite he once possessed. However, his roar
is still impressive. When hunting, the lionesses will strategically hide in the
tall savannah grass close to a watering hole during the hot mid-day sun. When
evening comes, the herds of antelope and wildebeest will come close to water,
not suspecting the hidden danger. The old lion will appear on the opposite side
of the pride lying in wait. The old lion will appear suddenly and with great
force let out a terrific roar. The startled animals will react and run from the
roar, into the trap laid by the pride. If only they had run toward the roar --
actually run toward the thing that seemed most fearful rather than into the
snare that awaited them.
Maybe a bit melodramatic, but the point is that many will never know what they
can do unless they try. I agree with Ken Saxton in that I would never tell
anyone to run barefoot, but that they should use their head and think. My
challenge to those who would consider barefoot running is to think about what is
keeping you from at least trying it? If it is based on contentment with how your
running is progressing and you are having fun doing it the shod way ... then
continue on! However, if it is fear based, you might want to consider whether
the fears are substantial ... whether they really have any teeth whatsoever. You
might find that a "run toward the roar" would be the most liberating thing
you've ever done for your running!