Talking Feet??

I'm intrigued with the idea of talking feet. Barefoot runners are often advised to "listen" to our feet, because they can teach us to run with better form.

Even though I'm almost 56 years old, I think my feet are still teenagers. They have a very limited vocabulary. They just don't like to get into meaningful discussions with me. If they aren't ignoring me outright, my feet mostly just mutter and grumble. I can put up with that for a pretty long time.

Its those occasional blood curdling screams that really get to me. Almost give me heart attacks! I have to stop and comfort them for a while, telling them "That's okay, that's okay, you'll be fine. There's nothing to be afraid of." They usually sob and shudder for a few minutes but then settle down. At those times, you'd think they were still little babies! That's also when they start to whine and pester me. "Are we there yet?" "Soon." "Are we there yet?" "No!" "Are we there yet?" "Shut up! I'll tell you when!"

I hate it when they talk back and argue with me. Hey! I'm the boss -- you'll do what I tell you and you'll appreciate it! Problem is, they usually end up getting their way no matter what I say, impertinent things! But I feel I have to at least try, for principle's sake.

But when they argue with each other? Don't get me started on this! Its incessant -- "I'm first!" "No, I'm first!" "No - I'M FIRST!!" It just goes on and on and on. I swear - they can argue 180 beats a minute sometimes.

Sometimes we get along pretty well! What's really nice is when they laugh or even sing. That really makes me smile. Its a little embarrassing around other runners, though. Me, grinning like a Cheshire, my bare feet pouncing along briskly. I suspect those other runners can feel the good vibes because some of them smile back.

So, some words of advice. Listen to your feet. Its uncanny how much they really know. Why, you might just learn something from them!

Ryan