I have not taken my shoes off for a while because I am in Linger. I know you are supposed to say Taper, but I prefer Linger. I am about to do a very fine trail race for the very first time so I am just enjoying staying in what I already know how to do. Which is hop over tree roots, trot along river banks, and and I am just doing it before I feel terrible. Then I will enjoy feeling terrible in the race. I will even be able to Linger in it. HAHAHA. But mostly you just don't want to try any thing new. So also I am practicing Snacking. But not on anything new. Just on the old favorites, dried cherries, M&Ms' pretzels,my husband's forearm etc. Yum. So anyways after Sunday's race, I will be back to becoming a LittleOldBarefootLady. But right now I must get back to Snacks & Linger

Because the Bare Pads on Paws Make Sounds

so much softer. Yes that is another good reason to go BareFoot. Because you actually grow Pads on your feet. Like your cat, yes. Some ruffians call them calluses but I would go with Pads. If you train yourself mostly on cements they will be shiny Pads. If you practice more on dirt and trails they will be softer and more rounded Pads. I have read they are actually a good mix of hardened skin and fresh new foot fat. But it comes slowly. You just go a few feet more everyday. You just go until you begin a thoughtful burn. So that's where I'm at and I confess I secretly tried a few feet of trail last Sunday. Dee-lectable. Especially the stones. They are both cool and sharp. So you just go slow. And Pads! Pretty soon I will be able to creep behind my husband and pounce gracefully upon his head. Dee-lectable.

The Parking Lot, the Lakewood Belle Park

was cold, misty and gray with rain. Sewer plugged puddles maybe. But no one, no one was there. Perfect.
I slid into a front row parking lot and noted with satisfaction that the only witness was going to be a Great Lake and a solemnly pooping goose. I was High, I was Giddy Up as I pulled off my socks and shoes. You have to have a first time. This was mine & strangely profound like driving fast to the hospital to have your first baby or walking towards the man you are going to marry. Really. I swiveled my naked feets out from the drivers seats & onto the 42 degree cement parking lot floor. You could say I toddled but I didn't. I stepped, I stepped and something akin to bright warm ice ran thru the sole of my feet and circled my ankles. Then I began. I ran.
Little old barefoot lady. Huhahuhahhahuhuhuh. Laughing like Elmer Fudd. Really.