Congratulations to Emily, our newbie Barefoot runner, who completed her first half marathon ever last weekend. Read below about the strength she found from herself, her friends, family and complete strangers.

When Merrell started on our Barefoot journey, Emily started with us. Em started running after the birth of her first daughter, mainly because the baby was happy in a stroller. Running has since turned into an outlet for Emily. Below she shares how important it is to listen to your body, even if your mind won’t slow down. Despite the fact that I’ve been able to increase my miles and have accomplished some races in barefoot shoes, I still consider myself a Newbie. I have a lot to learn! A lot to learn in form, in listening to my body, in setting goals that continue to inspire me to go further and have fun.

Do you remember when you were a child and the first thing you wanted to do when you woke up was to run out the door and explore and play? The woods in your neighborhood became the Island of the Wild Things; a game of kick ball could last all day long; and a willow tree would become a fairyland full of adventures. Your imagination is alive; all else is silent. That’s what running is to me. It is a pure sense of freedom and exploration. A place I go to think, dream and explore. Alone, with friends, in the sun or weather wild, trails or road, no matter, it makes me stronger each with each stride.