6k in Xero Sandals, my first real run since my 50 miler. The run was a wonderful expression of me focusing on form and staying bouncy.
I explored some roads, freshly planted corn fields, and played on the grass.
The 50 miler has emphasized that I love the challenge of improving at running, I love the idea of making the right health choices, and now that I have nothing looming I can just play and experiment – as such I love the freedom.
Reflecting on the run I keep saying that I loved the first 60k and the last 20k were challenging. It’s not that the first 60k weren’t hard, because they were, and they were challenging. I am happy with my preparation. I am happy with what I could control.
My feet seemed to absorb water and turned white. And they hurt like a giant blister. I still haven’t done the research about how to deal with that. I will though.
I am happy and proud of what I did. If I can fix the feet issue while continuing to improve with running technique and form then I know that I can run another 50 better.
I have taken to being barefoot as much as possible with a real mindfulness on strengthening my feet and ankles. I am also digging Natural Movement workouts.
Natural Movement is basically kids playing. Go to the playground and do the stuff children do – it’s not easy.
My kids and I go to the park – they play, I play, we spend time together, and I get a great workout. A workout that challenges with basic movement like walking, running, balancing, climbing, jumping, and rolling.
I won’t sit on a bench of stand and watch anymore – I will play. I will stay healthy.