Barefoot Running in Baltimore City Streets

I had been thinking about it for two weeks. The book, “Borne to Run,” had me obsessed with running, chia seeds, rice/bean diet and thoughts of barefoot running.

I decided to leave my dog, Reef, behind even though he is a dedicated running partner. I was concerned that he would pull me across broken glass from the neighborhood bars. As it was Saturday morning, so the fed hill frat boys were out in full force the night before.

I stepped out onto my front steps: no shoes, no socks. I paused for a moment as I contemplated my sanity and smiled as my neighbor starred at me wondering what the hell I was doing. I pulled my headphones over my ears and started up to Fort Ave and headed to Fort McHenry. I only made it a block when one runner commented and pointed at my feet, “You forgot your shoes!” I forgot my shoes? Well, of course I did. She was so serious too. At that moment, I realized that this running event was a social psychological experiment as while as a physical challenge.

I hopped over cigarette butts, dog poop, and broken glass. I can’t explain how much fun I was having. I felt like I was running on the beach without the scenery, soft surface and ocean breeze. Unfortunately, Baltimore City does not offer those luxuries.

It was odd to feel my feet grab the surface and pull my body forward. I felt it lock-in on each stride. Over a mile into the run, I started feeling some hot spots on my feet. A quick glance, revealed my first cut. Not a big deal and definitely expected. I quickly learned what color blocks of sidewalk stung the most and on every street crossing I ran on the painted line for a temporary relief.

Three blocks away from my house I stopped for a red light. A garbage truck pulled up besides me and a guy hops out and says, “Honey, are you really doing this?” I smiled as he got onto the ground and offered his hands to rest my feet on. The light turned green and he wished me good luck.

I completed the run. My feet were throbbing and I was barely able to walk to my bathroom to begin scrubbing my wounds with hydrogen peroxide. My roommate instilled fear into me that the city rats and used needles on the streets were going to infect me with some disease. Whatever. So, what did I learn from this experience:
• Reef is one tough beast to be barefoot on a daily basis.
• Running in shoes makes me feel like a cheater.
• Vibram Five Fingers will have to be my happy medium between shoes and naked running.

What’s next? How about organizing a group of “crazy” runners and run through the Inner Harbor on a busy day. Who is in??