Zombie Joggers (or, Why running barefoot makes you more alive)

Many joggers run mindlessly and monotonously.  I call them Zombie Joggers.  I used to be one.
 
Zombie joggers can be recognized by their blank stare, exhausted and hunched over posture, and a heavy-footed, plodding pace.  Their mind has drifted off to a distant place -- as if lobotomized and motor control handed over to the reptilian brain stem, issuing the same simple commands over and over:  "Right foot, left foot, right foot, left foot".
 
Here are a few reasons why joggers zone out:
  • There's little need to pay attention to where you're stepping.  (You've got shoes on.)
  • No need to change in direction.  (Don't want to twist an ankle.)   
  • Little change in pace.  (No reason to change speeds.)
  • It doesn't take any skill. (Just will.)
Running barefoot, on the other hand, forces you to focus.  Focus on where you are stepping, focus on the changing terrain, and focus on how your feet feel.  Somewhat rocky trails are awesome because they really challenge your mind and body to find good places to step.  Here comes a rough patch, slow down a bit and step lightly.  Zig zag a bit to find the best footing.  Okay, the terrain just evened out -- accelerate.  You have to focus hard, you have to BE THERE, and almost immediately you enter a state of flow.  Challenging, but achievable.  
 
Today our running group ran parts of the bridle path in Central Park, alternating between the rough trail and the smooth road.  Great contrast.  Very satisfying, very fun.
 
And while we ran, we become more aware, more conscious -- and more alive.

Comments

 I have 14" feet. No vibrams

Submitted by Alex Good on Fri, 03/04/2011 - 20:39.

 I have 14" feet. No vibrams for me.

I have to squeeze all my

Submitted by tryingtomovetothewoods on Sat, 01/01/2011 - 17:26.

I have to squeeze all my running in at work but i work at an airport and it is wall to wall pavement and i am required to wear boots. That isn't the best thing for my form, i know, but better to get some running in! Anyway, I have to reach the 'state of flow' to keep my interest in running whatsoever. SO WHEN YOU CAN'T RUN IN A NATURAL AREA....TIP: avoid all cracks, stains, puddles, skid marks, etc. in the pavement.... occasionally hop on to an adjacent curb or squeeze through smaller gaps like a bench near a wall or something or hop over outdoor ash trays....you get the idea.hope this helps someone else (and hope this isn't in the book already, i haven't read it yet). Even when the terrain is flat and you have to wear shoes, you can still have an engaged, fulfilling run!

Hilarious and true at the

Submitted by Aarurl on Fri, 07/02/2010 - 06:07.

Hilarious and true at the same time! I can't wait to run with my brother and sister-in law so I can call them zombie joggers. They call me a freak for running bare foot, so I can make fun of them.....right? They don't realize the blank, dull pain look on their faces! I usually have a smile on my face when i'm barefooting for some reason, even in my Vibrams I am happy and connected to the ground. I have been running with them for about 3 months telling them about the benefits of bare footing....they hear but don't listen. They hear me when I talk about paleo but don't listen.....I really want them to wake up to reality but  for now I will quit pushing. Great post!

So true! Try barefooting at

Submitted by Geoff on Thu, 07/01/2010 - 11:40.

So true! Try barefooting at night for hyper-focus. All your senses come alive.

I live in a heavily wooded

Submitted by David Csonka on Thu, 07/01/2010 - 10:45.

I live in a heavily wooded city, since we are right next to a National Forest. The running trails here are great fun, and when ran barefoot or in VFF's is quite a challenge. It often occurs that I don't realize how tired I become because I am so focused on dodging and jumping over hundreds of roots and rocks.

This has almost exactly been

Submitted by Groeneinkt on Thu, 07/01/2010 - 06:30.

This has almost exactly been my (admittedly still short) experience with taking my running of ordinary lawns, tracks, roads etc. A while ago I started running in a nearby forest (I use the term loosely, seeing how it was planted less than twenty years ago), once off the tracks you're forced to really engage with the actual terrain.For me it meant that instead of continually thinking about how many minutes I still had to ran I had to shift focus on what I was actually doing and where my feet went. Having to dodge nettles and thistles, jump over roots, fallen branches and puddles and change direction continually is also both more energising and exhausting.

Your best post yet. Very well

Submitted by Paleo eating in Houston, tx on Thu, 07/01/2010 - 15:39.

Your best post yet. Very well said! I am glad you put in the flow aspect- so true.

Being constantly aware is much more of a workout than just dreaming off to space.