barefoot runner in need of advice about the cold.

grahamfc

grahamfc

Barefooters
Nov 24, 2011
4
0
0
#1
I hope this isn't too cheeky. A guy on our site has just started running barefoot (in the English winter), he's after advice about how to cope with the cold. I thought I'd ask here at font of barefoot running knowledge to see if anyone can help him out.

This is what he says: 'I’d be interested to hear from more experienced barefooters what limits you find – how cold, how wet, does it have to be for you to keep your shoes on (or not go out)? Does this change as you get more experience/confidence? And what tips do you have for keeping feet warm?'.

I've put a link to this site on his post and also wondered if anyone would like to share their comments on his post: Cold feet? I'm sure he'd appreciate it.

I'd appreciate it too as I'm trying to spread some sensible advice from experienced barefoot (and minimalist) runners.

Thanks in advance.
 
#2
There's a ton of info and

There's a ton of info and posts on this site he could search for.

Here's an article written by Barefoot Rick Roeber who consistently, year-after-year, runs in the single digits in the snow and ice: Winter Barefoot Running – Is it for You? By Barefoot Rick Roeber

Here is a Winter Challenge article written by Barefoot YOW (several members participated last year; there is another challenge taking place at this right now): Winter Barefoot Running Challenge By Barefooting Bob, with credits to Smelph, Running Barefoot, and Barefoot YOW

Challenge thread from this winter (2011/2012): Barefoot Winter Challenge - 2011
 
#3
I found that for me, it was

I found that for me, it was easiest to acclimate to the drop in temps as the temps dropped. Take advantage of getting out there and running every chance, safely, you can during the warmer winter days to help get you over to the colder winter days.

I found that warming up my feet under the car's heater (or any heater in your home) before heading out for a barefoot run helped to take the bite off of getting out into the cold. By the time you have about 1-1/2 miles to 2 miles into your run, your feet will typically warm up due to the increase in blood flow from activity. (IF YOU ARE NOTICING PAIN AND NUMBNESS AT THIS POINT, STOP AND COVER YOUR FEET AND GET INSIDE!)

It's best to carry footwear with you as you are acclimating. Even a pair of thick socks (on a dry day) really goes a long way to the rescue.

I found I could run barefoot down to 27 degrees Farenheit as long as the ground was dry. I could run in the mid to upper 40s when the ground was wet.

I also learned from others here that keeping my core warmed up with lots of layers REALLY works to keep my feet warm, as the heat has to find an exit. Keeping my head and neck covered and wearing lots of layers all the way to my feet (not inlcuding my feet) was the best tip I learned that I could share.
 
#4
I'm probably really

I'm probably really backwards, but I've actually found that its easier to walk in cold than it is to run. Thats not really useful advice, but this winter I walked home from work barefoot a couple of days, and now I can stand comfortably on the frozen winter pavement. (Okay, maybe not comfortably, but my feet don't get cold or stop hurting. They just notice that the ground is cold.)

Running I haven't actually figured out yet. I always feel like I'm going to hurt something, which I might not, but that doesn't stop me from being concerned. My form might also need to be a tad bit sharper to help my cold skin.

But anyway, I have found that gradual acclimation does definitely make a difference. Just go walk around in the cold, you can probably handle a lot more than you think, and your feet will get better at staying reasonably warm. Bring something to put on just in case though, no sense getting frostbite.
 
#5
Hi Graham, It looks like

Hi Graham,



It looks like you had a fine day on Glyder Fawr for your avatar shot!

I agree with TJ about comfort ranges - dry and still I find it quite comfortable to run down to about -7C, wet and/or breezy I'm thinking more than once below about 7C. I guess I'm just an English wuss who wants to enjoy, not endure, my running!
 
#6
Yes, DNEChris is surely some

Yes, DNEChris is surely some kind of wuss...the kind that runs 3200 miles (not kilometers!) a year BF or in Min shoes. He know whereof he speaks.

I think the most important thing your newly winterizing friend needs to keep in mind is that he needs to take heed of his body and especially his feet. Take it a bit at a time and see how his tolerance develops. I find that it HURTS to overextend myself into cold situations, so I'm very cautious. Luck!
 
#7
DNEchris wrote:Hi Graham,It

DNEchris said:
Hi Graham,

It looks like you had a fine day on Glyder Fawr for your avatar shot!
Click to expand...

Yes Chris, very lucky, it was the day after the Snowdon Mountain Race, so it was a tough walk — but beautiful (shoes on I should add).

Thanks for your remarks.
 
#8
For me, I've found that I can

For me, I've found that I can run barefoot down to about 30F no matter what is on the ground, and down to 20F if the ground is dry. Today I did 9.54 miles barefoot in 28F weather with 2 inches of snow on the ground without any problems. This doesn't happen over night though. You need to ease into it, and go barefoot in the cold frequently enough so your body and your feet know how to handle it. What helps the best is to over dress, wear many layers. Also, a hat is very important. Your hands are just along for the ride and aren't really doing any work, so a pair of gloves helps as well.
 
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