How competitive are you? So much that you might stay after to learn more techniques, play while injured, work more on the weekend? But let me ask you this: would you run a mile barefoot?

On October 15, 2024 I had a home race just like any normal Tuesday. We warmed up and started just like normal. I had a really good starting pace and had a decent lead in front of the other girls. But if you’ve read any of my articles, you know as soon as things are looking perfect, they’re about to take a turn for the worse. 

I was turning around the back of the track and just about to enter the trail. I then saw the laces on my left shoe were untied. I had JUST tied it before the race, but that must have weakened them in some way. I began to wonder if I would trip while sprinting at the end. I saw Logan Miner and Tyler Bombard up ahead. Mr. Nettleton was poised to take a picture but I waved him away in a panic. I didn’t want a picture taken of what happened next.

  I ripped off my shoes and threw it at them exclaiming that it’s untied. I can only imagine the confusion that fell across their faces. So now I have about a mile left to run with only one shoe on. I will walk outside barefoot, so I was more focused on my pacing than the pain. Strangely, my running seemed easier after I tossed the shoe. 

I got third place overall and my sprint was not hindered one bit! After I retrieved my shoe, I had some explaining to do to my mother. I say everyone tries this! It’s ab-shoe-lutely amazing!