The real barefoot support. Thank you.

I must acknowledge here that today I got immense support out on the field.  Various runners ran alongside me to encourage me.  To talk to me about barefoot running, and just marathon running.  I even had several of the lead professional racers on the pass by’s acknowledge my efforts!   

Several shout outs from people I passed in all the various events.  Various running club supporters calling out either my name, or BAREFOOT.   And this occurred along 80% of the whole 42km course.   

I am overwhelmed with the positive support and encouragement I got to keep on going and the huge level of respect that was very evident in fellow runners.  This support was for just running, and to keep on running and for BAREFOOT running.

I hope that my efforts will make others think about the media and the marketing skills of various manufacturers, and will make people think about their own personal abilities and what they really can achieve if they too set their mind to it.  

Remember, I am no model material, I am short, slightly stumpy in physique, and no great athlete, just an ordinary member of the population, and people can see that in me.

In this particular race there was another gent running in my pace group who was running in the mexican slop/thong of minimalist shoe, and I believe there was his partner, (whom I did not see).  This too commands incredible respect for the effort that goes into this.  These two gents I have seen on previous trail runs in their mexican slops/thongs.

I also came across another runner running in Vibram 5 fingers, but he was too far ahead for me to catch up for a chat!

My running partner and a few others I noted, were also running in some form of minimalist shoes.  However to be honest I did not come across a real barefoot runner who uses my particular type of foot wear (nix).  Although plenty offered to tie my shoe laces l.o.l….

The only negative comment I got was afterwards, ironically from my son, who I have previously said is very against this style of running.  But every one, including my son, is fully entitled to their opinion..  Oh and my son rocked is 12km run (in running shoes)..Super proud mom.