Barefoot Runner Blisters the Track in the Barber to Boise 2011

Today I ran my second barefoot race, the 5K Barber to Boise run.  In spite of a somewhat bruised left foot from dancing (in shoes) last weekend, I ran without any pain.  I did end up with an unopened blood blister on a toe of my right foot, as well as a very small opened blister on another toe.  The left foot formed what seems to be a half calloused blister in the same place I got one at the Nampa Harvest Classic 2 mile run.

I am finding that I tend to run faster in races and that the courses are on smoother pavement than most of what I train on, so I think I need to vary my training course to include smooth asphalt.  Also, I think I  need to run more with other people and do more speed work, because apparently I cannot help putting in a good kick at the end.  This time, I told myself the whole race to just keep a faster pace and not have energy to sprint, but, alas, there seems to always be someone to try to pass right at the end.  I tell myself that it’s silly to be competitive at age 50, but when the moment comes there is only one thing on my mind – going faster.

I loved finishing on the Boise Bronco Stadium track.  When I reached that last 1/8 mile on the track, I entered a lovely dreamworld of racing and was rewarded by oohs and ahhs of spectators as I crossed the finish line.  I have paid some price, not only in blisters, but in my bruised foot having returned tenderness, but only after the race and when walking.  The blisters are making it hard to walk completely normally, too, so I think I’ll be spending more time in the pool and on the spinning bike this week to give it a rest.

With all of these complications, and with B2B drawing a lot more runners,  I had no thoughts of placing.  Greg estimated 1000 entrants in the 5K.  No results are online yet, but the mass behind me at the starting line was scary long.  I was quite happy to find out that my average 8:43 minute mile pace garnered me first in my age group (50-54), 37th among women, and 97th overall.  Woot!  I have a lovely mug and bag.

I had SO MUCH FUN running.  It just felt SO GOOD!  I also had fun when participants at the starting line asked me about my bare feet.  Runners that I passed commented, and some seemed to be a bit put out that some old lady without shoes could be passing them, but most were impressed or interested.  I haven’t been quite well the last two days, so I rested on Greg’s shoulder for a while after the race, but I was awake for prizes.

Greg got 10th overall and first in his age group, too, in spite of wearing shoes.  Old, worn out 10 year old shoes, to be sure.  He had to beat Natalie’s latest race time (scroll all the way down near the bottom to BUGTOWN CANYON COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP) and finish before any of the girls in the race, per usual.  Goals met.  His time was 18:57. He quips that he and I tied because we both won first prize for our age group.  I can go with that.