Barefooted parkrun
22/03/2025
Today I ran my 250th milestone parkrun in 35:54. It was an opportunity to do something different I've never done before and probably never again: a barefoot 5k run around the Denbies vineyard where Mole Valley parkrun takes place! I received some encouraging comments as I plodded along grass, mud trails and some stony sections over God's good earth. Comments included "Are you crazy?', 'fair play', 'well done!', 'Do you run barefoot every week?', 'You're just like Zola Budd!', 'mind the flints on the downhill paths' and ''Congratulations!'
The impact on my feet, ankles and calves has been surprisingly ok, although my soles are tingling and I might still get some delayed soreness in the next day or two. The generosity of my running friends has added another £150 to Christian Mission to Gaza and every pound will help the efforts to bring practical relief and aid to that troubled region of Israel. A memorable parkrun for a worthy cause!