A few months ago, while walking on the Nokiidaa Trail Link boardwalk, a barefoot runner passed by. It was a bit odd to see someone running without shoes, but not entirely new to me. I grew up running barefoot all day. We never liked wearing shoes, and we were probably more diligent about washing our feet before bed than our hands.

These days, walking the streets of Aurora, I’m not sure I would ever want to run barefoot. That day, the runner was lucky not to get any splinters, step in goose, duck, or dog poop, bubble gum, glass, or run into some spilled spoiled juice. Or maybe he did?

While there are benefits to barefoot running, I don’t find it to be a very hygienic way to run. I’m talking about true barefoot running because, apparently, there are shoes designed for barefoot runners, and they look more like gloves for the feet.

So, while you’re deliberating whether to start barefoot running next spring or summer (not sure if winter is suitable), you might want to consider Nordic walking or pole walking. I first spotted this sport a couple of years ago when walkers were getting ready at the St. Andrew’s Valley Golf Club parking lot. Since then, I’ve regularly seen a group walking in the Arboretum or Sheppard’s Bush Trail during my adventures around Aurora.

“Nordic walking is growing as an alternative to ordinary fitness walking because it can easily be mastered and can be performed year-round in any climate anywhere by a person of any age or ability who might otherwise walk without poles. It combines simplicity and accessibility of walking with simultaneous core and upper body conditioning and significantly enhanced aerobic effects quite similar to those of Nordic skiing. The result is a full-body walking workout that expends significantly more calories without a change in perceived exertion or having to walk faster, due to the incorporation of many large core, and other upper-body muscles which comprise more than 90% of the body’s total muscle mass and do work against resistance with each stride. ‘Normal walking’ utilizes only 70% of muscle mass with full impact on the joints of the legs and feet.” Source: Wiki

Personally, I think this is one of the best sports someone could get involved in. While getting exercise, you’re also enjoying fresh air and exposure to daylight. It also seems like a great way to socialize if you don’t want to walk alone.

As for me? I’m not so sure. It would be hard for me to stay focused — if I saw a bird in a tree, my Nordic walking would probably turn into a Nordic chase-a-bird exercise. I guess we all have our preferences, and you already know where mine lies.