Things (both literally and metaphorically) that becoming a barefoot
runner have taught me:

* social norms are not always logical.
* other's opinions need not affect me.
* what I imagine others may be thinking is usually worse than what
they are actually thinking.
* friends and allies can pop up from unexpected sources at unexpected
times.
* most people are too self-absorbed to notice or care what I do.
* a smile and a kind word can go really far.
* most pains are temporary and can be run off, worked out, or healed
over time.
* many normal people are not so normal; many strange people are not so
strange.
* I can always improve.
* there is always someone better than me; I am always better than
someone else.
* a terrible run is a good teacher.
* a great run is a good teacher.
* I appreciate an original, creative insult.
* the eyes reveal the thoughts.
* even though I'm not an expert, I can still help someone else.
* discoveries aren't planned.
* don't take it personally if a dog ignores you; don't take it
personally if a person ignores you.
* its okay to use a bandaid if it helps.
* its not worth trying to explain it to someone if they don't want to
listen.
* be willing to go a little further than I think I'm ready for.
* try new routes.
* heed the guiding voice inside, even if it doesn't make sense.
* I can't bank running into the future; I must run periodically to
keep it effective.
* I am still changing; I can affect and guide my changes.
* mastery is - and is not - measured in distances.
* sometimes it all really does work out very well!
* I'll probably post a new and different list next year!

Ryan
Vancouver, Washington