Monday, September 17, 2007

2 Left Shoes...what to do?

I have a ton to talk about from the weekend but to avoid an epic-long post (yes, even longer than usual), I am breaking it up so you guys don't have to suffer as much.

Friday, Jason met me for a run. Yes, you heard me right. He's been feeling much better and recovering well. This is the 2nd run he's joined me on. It was low tide, and I work 1/4 of a mile from the Glider Port (hangliders), which has a really neat trail down the cliff (we call it the "Goat Trail" b/c you basically have to be a mountain goat to get down and up) and onto Black's Beach.

Black's is known for being a nudist beach in San Diego. It's secluded and obscured from view by many eroding cliffs. It's difficult to access so it's very private, making it perfect for, well, nudity. It's not as exciting as you think. Mostly, a bunch of out-of-shape men going through a mid-life crisis hang out there sans clothing. I'm always amazed at how much they do w/o clothes--volleyball, running, hiking, surfing, etc. However, I love running there because it's a great beach, and it's always pretty deserted (the nudists help with that too--I think).

I was pretty excited about our run. A nice Friday evening sunset beach run with Jason. What could be better? As I changed in the bathroom, I noticed my shoes felt really weird. Like I was putting them on the wrong feet. But even when I switched, they still felt like that. I took a closer look. Turns out, I had pulled 2 left shoes from my closet. That certainly wasn't going to work. What do do, what to do. Relentlessly, I refused to give up. It's a beach run, right? I decided to go Black's Beach style. Well, feet-wise at least. I went with naked feet--barefoot that is.

Traversing the goat trail was difficult but once I reached the sand, it felt great. I ran where the water skimmed the sand. It was firm yet soft. When a wave lazily lolled around my feet, I practiced high knees, splashing through the water. It was fabulous fun. Plus, I felt so free and light. I feel like I run so fast without shoes! Since I've been running barefoot more and more on the beach for short runs, it's been hurting my calves less and less. I can't wait to do it again!

Afterwards, we slowly climbed the goat trail, pausing at the top to watch the sun sink into the sea. A beautiful finish.

6 comments:

Paul said...

congrats on making the move to barefoot running! It's feels good yah? I love running the low tides down there. I tend to start from Torrey Beach and go all the way to the pier and back...I feel lucky to have that..

Good news about Jason. glad to hear.

Ann (bunnygirl) said...

Barefoot running is suposed to be super-good for you, if you've got a place to do it safely. I wish I had someplace to try it!

Unknown said...

Very cool about Jason! Glad to hear he is on the mend. I'm sure that is a huge weight off of both of you.

Nice job making the best out of your footwear miscalculation. Running on the beach sounds wonderful.

Marcy said...

LMAO I guess you just answered my previous comment. Darn!

You should have ran that baby nude yourself LOL

Sara said...

Can we say jealous!! Wow. I don't think you are getting anywhere near close to taking advantage. If only Toronto had such scenery!

Fizzgig said...

ok so how sad is it that all i got out of this is that there is a nude beach near your house? aaaaaah! I'd be scoping it all the time! lol.