These sneakers run fast!

I had a great run today at lunch - beautiful day, the ipod worked, and my shoes were comfortable. When I got done and stopped my run I noticed that I ran a little bit quicker today than the past few days and immediately thought about how both my kids went through the phase of thinking that the type of sneakers they wore were directly related to how fast they ran on the playground or wherever. I thought that about my new shoes today as I chuckled to myself, "boy these shoes run fast!" I got a kick out of thinking about that little memory. Unfortunately, they are both old enough now to understand that there is not a direct connection between an individual's running performance and the actual shoe she wears. Or is there? And what about those runners that run in bare feet? What is that about? I think that would be a recipe for disaster for me - stubbed toes, blisters...it just does not sound like it would be comfortable and/or safe. Of course I guess it is all about what you are used to and what your resources can provide. I'm just glad that my resources could provide me with some new "fast" shoes.