Running Barefoot

I am officially an Ironman! I started the race with my BFT huaraches – I wanted to stay under the officials radar (shoes are required in IM races). After 6 miles it was time for the huaraches to go. I still haven’t got the tying down exactly and they loosen up and flap around a bit. I tucked the huaraches in my fuel belt and off I went.

There was a bike path that was challenging but I only was bf on that path one time out of four passes. The run was when I felt the best of the day. The crowds were amazing and the adrenaline was really pumping. It was getting dark – I know lots of folks have commented on the wonderful experience of running bf in the dark but I didn’t want to try anything new in the race.

Somewhere after 16 miles I put my huaraches back on and finished the race. I really think I could have gotten away with bf the whole way as there were no race officials on the course. So that is my goal for the next time. I understand several other runners were running in socks with their shoes in their hands – intentional or just the result of shoes that maybe were giving blisters I don’t know.

One of my friends forgot her running shoes for her transition bag (she was able to snag some shoes) but she said she wished she was me when she realized she forgot her shoes. What an amazing experience.

Thanks all for your support and advice – you have helped me so much!