Do you throw on footwear at the first sign of frost? Do you develop a relationship with the treadmill in the winter?
Why is one of the most frequently asked questions "What minimalist footwear do you wear in the cold?"
Why do so many people pass on the opportunity to become a better barefoot runner? Just like running in the middle of a heat wave in the summer, running barefoot in the winter provides an instant form and feedback check. Granted one does not just jump into barefoot running in the winter. You need to learn how to run barefoot again.
I equate cold running with hot asphalt or gravel. These surfaces enhance feedback, and therefore are wonderful tools to monitor your form. Get sloppy and your soft tissues remind you pretty darn quickly.
Even now in my 2nd winter of running barefoot, I can see great improvement in my ability to run in the cold. Last year, cold and wet were a definite no-no. This year I have several runs in wet near freezing conditions, including slushy snow. I ran over 6 miles (10 km) on Sunday at -14C (7F). I have learnt to be patient. Pick the running surface and conditions that suits you. Your feet will warm up. I know that some have experienced frostbite. Cold weather running is a new game, in which you need to be absolutely aware of your body. Barefoot Rick has learned he can run a marathon in single digits. I believe all of us (except those with limiting medical conditions) can run in the cold.
Send me a message/email/post about your winter running experiences. I'm interested in finding the silver bullet for Ol'man Winter.
I enjoy winter running ... hopefully you will too.
PS
I've got 200+ km barefoot running this winter at temperatures less than 40°F (130 km at sub-freezing)
Why is one of the most frequently asked questions "What minimalist footwear do you wear in the cold?"
Why do so many people pass on the opportunity to become a better barefoot runner? Just like running in the middle of a heat wave in the summer, running barefoot in the winter provides an instant form and feedback check. Granted one does not just jump into barefoot running in the winter. You need to learn how to run barefoot again.
I equate cold running with hot asphalt or gravel. These surfaces enhance feedback, and therefore are wonderful tools to monitor your form. Get sloppy and your soft tissues remind you pretty darn quickly.
Even now in my 2nd winter of running barefoot, I can see great improvement in my ability to run in the cold. Last year, cold and wet were a definite no-no. This year I have several runs in wet near freezing conditions, including slushy snow. I ran over 6 miles (10 km) on Sunday at -14C (7F). I have learnt to be patient. Pick the running surface and conditions that suits you. Your feet will warm up. I know that some have experienced frostbite. Cold weather running is a new game, in which you need to be absolutely aware of your body. Barefoot Rick has learned he can run a marathon in single digits. I believe all of us (except those with limiting medical conditions) can run in the cold.
Send me a message/email/post about your winter running experiences. I'm interested in finding the silver bullet for Ol'man Winter.
I enjoy winter running ... hopefully you will too.
PS
I've got 200+ km barefoot running this winter at temperatures less than 40°F (130 km at sub-freezing)