What's in a Name?
Wednesday, February 23, 2011 at 1:47PM Some have asserted that this site's title, In Between My Toes, has derivation from my year-long challenge to wear nothing but minimalist shoes with toe pockets. While their is definitely a convenient correlation to Vibram FiveFingers, the reason is much more childishly innocent.
I grew up on a farm in Southern Alberta, in the foothills of the Rockies. Adventure and exploration filled many of my days. There were creeks to cross, minnows to catch, flowers to pick, birds to watch, trees to climb, grasshoppers to chase, and so much more. I don't remember going barefoot very often, but I do remember vividly one particular barefoot experience.
The sun was shining like most childhood memories. Clouds peppered the sky, and the grass was as green as spring. I remember how it tickled the soles of my feet as I strolled through the hills of my backyard pushing aside the stiffer stalks of wild grain. With a slopping sound, the texture underfoot suddenly changed. Warm, soft, moist... I had stepped squarely into a fresh cow pie. Gross!... but exciting all at the same time. I wriggled my toes with childish curiosity, watching the tips disappear then reappear from the greenish-brown mass as the manure sloshed between my toes. The sensation was overwhelming, but so was the smell that infiltrated my nostrils. Offended by the rude interruption, I slightly twisted and pulled my foot from the heap with a slurp. With some creative foot dragging and a convenient puddle, I was ready for my next adventure.
The first time that I ran in a pair of minimalist running shoes as an adult, I recalled this image of innocence and curiosity, this image of squishing scat between my toes so vibrantly that I haven't been able to shake it since. It's the idea of experiencing the world anew with such child-like exuberance and wonder that drives my continued exploration of barefoot and minimalist shoe activity, hence In Between My Toes.
Reader Comments (1)
The above picture is the reason to wear boots so when you step in it it doesn't go between your toes :-)