Trails and Barefoot Running

5t3ph4n13 · Jun 4, 2012

So, even though my barefoot trail Half last month was a painful learning experience, I have decided that trail running is what I really want to focus on right now. I live in the land of amazingly beautiful trail races (Northern California) and all the races I want to do are HILLY, often rocky and gravelly trail. So, questions:

- Due to my schedule, I would only be able to train on trails 1-2xweek (long run and midweek medium long run). Is it possible to successfully train for trail races (Halfs and Marathons) while running maybe 1/3-1/2 your mileage on streets/sidewalks (HILLY streets)?

-I don't see many people running trail Marathons/ultras barefoot. If trails are what I really want to do what are some super minimal trail shoes? I can't run in my Bikilas anymore... I am considering Invisible Shoes or Merrell Pace gloves.

Whoops, posted before I was finished!

- If I do plan to race in shoes, do I need to do ALL my training using the shoes I plan to race in?

paintboy · Jun 4, 2012

I love running on trails too but find the trails around here to be not barefoot friendly at least for running. So I wear shoes. (gasps) NB minimus for me. Last Place Jason is the man to talk to about running trails successfully.

moominmamma · Jun 4, 2012

Similar issues here in the mountains of BC Canada. I run gnarly trails in home-made huaraches (similar to invisible shoes) or in Minimus Trail Zeros.

Miranda

JosephTree · Jun 4, 2012

As far as the training goes, why not mix it up? It's all running and you will be doing well for yourself as long as you get some regular exposure to your targeted sort of trails. I'm in a similar position as far as aspiring to a focus on trails goes and would be very happy to get in a long and another run in on quality trails each week. I think it's a safe assumption that you'll be building experience quickly and will be well able to adjust over the next year or so. Meanwhile you will certainly have a lot of fun. Enjoy!

Barefoot Gentile · Jun 4, 2012

I agree with Joseph about mixing it up. I ran my first 50K all barefoot about a week ago, it was somewhat barefoot friendly so that is why I was able to achieve that. If I lived where I had the luxury of running beautiful trails all the time, I would certainly not worry about being 100% barefoot. It's impossible to run trails barefoot all the time. I live in the east coast so in spring/summer when I run a trail that can't be done barefoot, I wear original Luna Sandals. But I always start barefoot until mother nature defeats me and makes me resort to footwear. It's about having fun.

migangelo · Jun 5, 2012

do what you can do. you'll quickly find your limits. i run roads and trails. the trails aren't too gnarly, if you don't ask nick. i'm a bit slow but since it's gotten warmer no shoes for me, or sandals. i love my luna o's over any other sandal out there.