An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge

Do yourself a favour, grab a quiet moment, sit back and watch this hauntingly beautiful 20 minute short film (which includes some noteworthy barefoot running).

"An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" is based on the short story by Ambrose Bierce.  Set during the American Civil War, it is the story of Peyton Farquhar, a Confederate sympathiser condemned to death by hanging from Owl Creek Bridge.

A copy of the story is here.

Thanks to the Natural Running Center for alerting me to this gem.

Merci

Just learnt that the girls at Merci, the local coffee cart on Oxford Street, Paddington, donated all of their tips last week to Amnesty!

All I can say is ... merci beaucoup!

Amnesty's Amazing Work

For anyone unsure what exactly Amnesty does, or where the money goes, this short video explains it very well.

Please help change the world.

9 Months

Tonight I had a flashback: a few years ago a friend invited me to join her on an Annandale to ANZAC Bridge circuit run. I immediately and irrefutably declined. At the time it seemed an incomprehensible challenge. I could not propel my 110 kilogram bulk to jog even a couple of kilometres. I'd be puffed just walking up a moderate hill. I was in awe of her running ability, and had lost all hope in mine.

View to Sydney Harbour Bridge from ANZAC Bridge

Tonight, I breezed around exactly the same 9.5 kilometre circuit. It has only been 9 months since I commenced running regularly. First for just a few hundred meters, then a kilometre, then two ... Now, I can knock out a 10 kilometre run after work and barely break a sweat. It feels so easy. This, I thought to myself, is pretty damn amazing.

And what a pleasure running is, on so many levels. The feeling of lightness and springiness in my body. Being out in the crisp winter night's air. The view of the city lights reflected onto the black, mirror-smooth water. The energy pulsing through my veins. The Who Live at Leeds pulsing through my ear buds.

Thank you running. I feel reborn.

Xeros: 'spare tyres' for feet

Warning: this article contains images that some readers may find disturbing.

I am enjoying my transition to barefoot running immensely. I am much lighter on my feet and have experienced no knee pain or plantar fasciitis (heel pain) at all since commencing. This is a major breakthrough.

When I first enlisted in the 2013 New York Marathon, put on my expensive runners and hit the pavement, knee and heel pain threatened to terminate my plans. Despite resting, stretching or ice treatment, every time I went out I would experience heel and/or knee pain after just a few kilometres. Lot's of people suggested barefoot or natural running as a potential cure, so I switched over and never looked back.

Running barefoot forces good running form by providing precise sensory feedback when the foot lands on the running surface and encourages a proper forefoot striking pattern. This in turn corrects the entire biomechanics of running.

First night out with my Xeros

Problem was my 51 year old shoe-cuddled feet were as soft as rice paper and walking just a few blocks on rough Sydney footpaths was excruciating. So I ordered some Xero huaraches (sandals) and problem solved. These very thin sandals provide protection to the sole with minimal sensory interference. On my first night out with them I clocked up 7 kilometres -- with no pain!

Ultimately I want to run as much as I can completely barefoot, and keep the Xeros for trails and those hot summer afternoons when the footpath feels like a barbecue plate on Australia Day. Gradually I have been increasing my barefoot time and strapping the Xeros on at a point when my feet become tender.

Blowout at 4 km

The other day I decided to head out without them on an 8k run. Bad idea. About 4k in and I had a blowout: a blister burst open. I discovered the memorable and unpleasant fact that walking barefoot on any surface with a burst blister is like some sort of medieval torture. Every little stone or blade of grass seems to find its way into the soft, pink, and very sensitive dermis. I limped home with the resolve never to head out without my Xeros again.

Now, every time a run more than about 6 km I tuck my Xeros into the back of my shorts. My spare tyre as it were. They are so light I am barely aware of them. I highly recommend this strategy for those starting out barefoot.

Note: If you would like to order some Xeros, you can do so here. The small affiliate commission will be donated to Amnesty. Everybody wins.