Night Running and Running Naturally
I went trail running the other night. First night run in a while that I ran without a headlamp. I noticed something different yet distinct…it felt like running barefoot. Part of that was the fact that my footwear has become increasingly minimal (that night’s run was in the New Balance 100, full review coming soon), but without a light I had to rely on the city lights in the distance. It was amazing! I did stumble once or twice but I was running softly, posture straight, knees high, and feeling awesome.
As I was doing this I remember my freshman year of college track and field. We had a blind kid on the team that ran incredibly fast times in his category. His name was Blaine. He could see contrast but no color no details. He would trip on the curb and drift into traffic if someone wasn’t close at his side. He always preferred “fast feeling shoes” as he would call them. They were performance trainers. The craziest part is that he would come trail running with us. Yes he would stumble a few times and our pace would be a bit slower than usual but he kept up pretty well. I never did figure out how he did those trail runs blind with skimpy road shoes. We all thought he was crazy but we loved him regardless.
I haven’t thought about Blaine in years yet in that moment his image running down the trail became clear. Having implemented barefoot running and minimalistic footwear into my training, understanding the principles of proprioception, and strengthening my feet, I finally understand how he and I can trail run mostly blind, minimal footwear, at a pretty decent clip. My feet contoured to the trail and made any adjustment I needed. My stride was short, quick, and soft. I literally felt like I was floating. I crossed paths with several other runners with headlamps. They all wondered how I could see without a light. “Become one with the trail!” I proclaimed. Seconds later I bounded effortlessly down the trail, enjoying the perfect evening…
