Barefoot running and "Setsubun"

On my days off, usually I spend time outside. In particular, I like rivers, waterfalls, and the ocean. I like to walk, jog, cycle...basically anything is OK, as long as it is outside. About running, the other day Mr. M sent me an article about jogging barefoot. According to the below article, as well as other well-respected research institutes, barefoot running is actually better for the body, especially legs, than running with sneakers. Can you believe that?! Well, it is true.
When I was in high school, I used to run barefoot on the beach. I liked it very much. When it gets warmer this spring, I want to try to run barefoot again.
However, there is one problem. In Japan, where feet are a very touchy topic and everyone takes off their shoes before entering their homes, I wonder if barefoot running can be accepted? What do you think?
This is the article:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/

news/science/biology_evolution/article7007116.ece

Below are pics of me and my "training ground"

And did you know that today is a special day in Japan.
Today is a festival in Japan, called "Setsubun" in Japanese.

"Sestubun" is a ritual in Japan, and always held on February 3rd every year. In Japan, people do a few unique (some people may think strange) things on this day. First, you must eat soy beans on this day. And you must eat the same number of soy beans as your age plus one. For example, I am 35 years old, so I have to eat 36 beans tonight. And before you eat the beans, you have to throw many beans outside the house yelling "Get out of here bad luck!!!" . And at this time, someone=this is my role, must wear a demon mask and go otuside and all of the beans are thrown at and hit this masked demon guy. After that, you have to throw many beans inside the house saying "Come in good luck!!!" Then, when everything is all finished, someone has to clean up all the beans on the floor. Usually this is my job too. ;(
The next activity is eating rolled sushi. Here are the rules for when you eat the roll sushi.
First, you must face the lucky direction while eating.
I am not sure what the lucky direction is this year, sorry.
And while eating it, you should say a wish, or pray for something or many things.
And don't forget, while eating it you can not talk at all. Complete silence.