I ran barefoot on the beach last December after Reggae Marathon.  And I loved it!

Backstory.  After completing the 10K and collecting my Finisher Medal, I did what I always do after Reggae Marathon:  Spent the next couple of hours around the finish area cheering friends on as they finished their races, trading race day stories and posing with old and new friends for selfies.  Outside the finish area on the beach, I enjoyed the traditional Reggae Marathon post-race tradition of wading out into the warm sea, chatted with friends, sipped my cold Red Stripe and took more photos.  Without running shoes of course…I took them off and left them on the beach. With the live music, I was completely engrossed in the Reggae Marathon Experience!

Still enjoying the post-Reggae Marathon afterglow, my friend Dan and I headed back along the beach to our hotel. Barefoot of course…what’s the point of wearing shoes or sandals when you can feel the sand between your toes.  It wasn’t until we were over halfway back to our hotel that I suddenly had that feeling that something was missing.  You know that nagging thought.  And sure enough after a couple of minutes I realized that I’d left my running shoes on the beach back at Long Bay Beach Park!  Dan wanted to go back…I was more interested in getting to the lounge chair on at our hotel for a cold Red Stripe and some sun.  Lounge chair and beer won out…those running shoes were history.

The next morning, eager to get out for an early morning run the only option was barefoot.  I headed out with trepidation.  A few years back I got caught up in the minimalist running craze and experienced painful foot injuries because I simply tried to transition too quickly. This time I kept it slow and easy and stuck to the hard packed sand along the edge of the water.  I also kept it short…5K.  And it was a blast!  Splashing through the water took me back to being a kid when running and playing on the beach was so effortless.  I’m thankful for that reminder that running is fun!  I want to run forever!!.  While I don’t plan to leave another pair of running shoes behind at Reggae Marathon Sweet 16 this December 3, I do plan at least one barefoot run along the beach.

Until next time…

Reggae Marathon RunninGuy (aka Sugar ‘Tuff Gong’ Bong)

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