People's reactions when you run

A couple of comments tonight on my 5 mile run.

Guy on porch, "Hope you don't step on a nail!" - Me, "They come out pretty easy." I wanted to continue to say it's the super small glass shards that suck but I was too far past.

Another comment tonight from a guy walking with his wife/girlfriend and a child..... "Barefoot awesome!!! Hell yeah we aren't born with shoes on." - my reply was, "It's the only way to run."
 
2 older ladies I regularly see now while I'm running around the block:
"I hope you wash your feet after this!" - I said yeah maybe once a week or so! ;)
On next lap:
"I'm always worried you'll puncture your feet!" - I said believe me, take off your shoes and you are totally aware of what's down there!

By the way tonight was my longest run yet - 1.5 miles, after getting started 2 months ago. Building up slowly but seems to be going well.
 
after two years running barefoot in the village (4000 inhbts), I got less reactions,
but still, it happens

yesterday we had the first rain after the summer.
after the rain I went for a run, it was something like 17°c+


"wow, this is not too cold for your feet ?"

seriously, what can I answer to this ???
17°c+
 
I got my first barefoot cycling comments, nothing unusual though. First was "aren't your feet cold?" as I waited for a light where the bike trail crossed a street. Like Sly, I was a bit surprised by the comment, as it was only in the 50s (10-15 degrees Celsius). Then "nice shoes," as a dozen middle-aged guys in full racing gear passed me on a different trail.
 
Tonight a quick 5 mile run got the usual, "he's barefoot" type response from some high school aged kids. Also got the old, "your feet must tough" remark.

At the end of my run while walking by a local store I got a lovely comment from a fine and obviously upstanding member of society... "Walking barefoot, you got to be F*&^ing kidding me, really!" said loud enough to bring attention to himself. Another walker across the street and one on the same side as I heard him loud and clear. My reply was simply, "What does it matter to you!" - Silence, no reply as he drove past and down the road. I may have uttered a few other things as well but I won't repeat them.

He obviously failed to learn the lesson in life, "If you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all." Maybe something clicked after the comment came out of his mouth and he realized, "do I really want to mess with the person that walks and runs barefoot?" - Doubt it, but maybe.

Oh well, I'm certain Karma will kick this gentleman square in the face with a barefoot one day. Maybe I should have replied, "You've got to be kidding me, really you're allowed to breath and be part of society."

Hopefully during tomorrows 11 mile run I won't run into any D-bags like that guy.
 
Hopefully during tomorrows 11 mile run I won't run into any D-bags like that guy.

"If you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all."

Naw, I'm just just KEEDING!
Have a good long run, enjoy!
 
"If you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all."

Naw, I'm just just KEEDING!
Have a good long run, enjoy!

Lol, I sorta contradicted myself..... I'll retract that d-bag part and insert "fine upstanding gentleman who are severely misinformed and not properly educated regarding the awesomeness of barefooted-ness whilst walking and running which leads them to say things inappropriately out loud"
 
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Shod runner seemed friendly, and we crossed paths perpendicularly, so not a lot of time for chit chat or witty remarks.


there's always time for a smart ass comeback, er, i mean witty remark.
 
Priceless look! At least they both are wearing minimalist footwear so maybe they get it.
 
I was recently on vacation in Prauge and decided to go for a quick run on thousand year old streets. My daughters sat on the side of the alley and took photos and delighted in seeing everyones reaction. I have learned to enjoy and have fun with my naked feet burning up the pavement. View attachment 6447


Well done Rik. Have you seen anyone else barefoot in Prague?
There is quite an active community of barefoot runners/hikers in the Czech republic.
http://www.bosaturistika.cz/en/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/575169892516602/
 
Same lady I see often while barefoot running: "I just can't get over how you run around without your shoes!".
I say "When are you going to try it? Just try one of your walks barefoot, it's great!".

She is an older lady and walks with a stick. I feel like I want to give her a leaflet or something as I run past, explaining the potential benefits to her. I've read that there are many benefits, even to older people, and it could well help her to get around a bit better.
Any ideas on what to give her? I can print something out and have it in my pocket ready next time I see her.
 
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