Since most of us have been wearing shoes as long as we can remember, the concept takes some getting used to. My feet, ankles, and calves also took some time to adjust. Until I fully acclimated to the VFFs I interspersed training in my Adidas Supernovas. Leading up to the Baystate Marathon this past October, I did about half my runs in the VFFs and half in sneakers. Since the marathon I've 90% or more of my miles in VFFs. But that was until the weather started getting colder.
Many months ago I joined a Minimalist Runner, a Google Group started by Barefoot Ted. I soon realized that though I was new to minimalist running, there were many who'd been dedicated to the pursuit for years (to say nothing of the fact that humans have been running barefoot since, well, the dawn of our existence). Knowing that there are other alternatives to VFFs I ("The Ringer") posted a question on the group bulletin board asking what I might consider wearing for winter minimalist gear. I thought that it might offer an interesting window into the minimalist footwear subculture if I posted the replies I got to my query. See below.
Hey, I began running in VFFs last summer, but now it's 21 degrees out, snow on the ground and today there are gusts of up to 40 MPH (I live in NE Connecticut). At least it's sunny outside. I know I shouldn't admit it here, but I ran today in my Adidas Supernovas (sacrilege, I know). But seriously, what I can run in over the winter, minimalist style, and not have my toes freeze off?! The Ringer | ||||||||||||
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As most know, I'm a huge fan of the Mizuno Wave Universe 3's. In fact, they've replaced my VFFs. For me, they are better than VFFs and I never thought I would say that. And, they get better as you put more miles on them. In snow, you can attach coil YakTraks. In cold weather, you can put heat packs on top of your toes and they don't interfere. I've run in -17F in them also. Just my experiences. Harry -- HHH http://hhollines.blogspot.com/ http://twitter.com/thexgen | |||||||||||||
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My choice is a modified new balance mt100. the modification is to remove the heel, it's covered in another thread here. In a nutshell, just like a mitten is warmer than gloves... we need feet 'mittens' for the winter. -- _________________________________ Tucker | |||||||||||||
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Hey Ringer I understand your dilemna! For the moment I am wearing well worn pair of Sauconys while running outdoors with a pair of Gore-Tex socks stuffed inside. I did not want to go this route but one very cold day of running in minimal footwear quickly changed my mind and had me wondering about my sanity. As the weather gets colder and icier I will put duct tape around the top of the shoe and switch to another old pair of shoes that have screws drilled into the bottom for traction. This has worked well in the past and has allowed me to run in conditions as cold as -56C ( with windchill). I plan to continue with this footwear regime until ( or if) a suitable pair of mukluks can be made. I am researching this possibility before going out and buying all the materials as it is expensive and I heard not all mukluks are suitable for running. Gail On 12/11/09 9:42 AM, "The Ringer" | |||||||||||||
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Primal moccasins. I review them in the various posts here (see the bottom post for most detail): http://shootthemoonforbraininjury.blogspot.com/search/label/primal%20moc In short, with a thin wool sock, I'm toasty down to -10F, -30+ windchill. They feel closer to barefoot than anything I've run in, and they grip surprisingly well even on snow and ice (because they conform to the minute textures, and if you're barefoot technique is good, very little slipping except on steep trails where I slip in anything except strapped on chains). Blessings, Patrick It's all good (but, is it the Best Good?) www.braininjurychaplain.com http://shootthemoonforbraininjury.blogspot.com/ On Dec 11, 8:42 am, The Ringer | |||||||||||||
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I'm having trouble getting up the enthusiasm to go running in this cold at all. I enjoyed running all summer, and even enjoyed the Fall. But come winter I end up using the stationary bikes or elliptical machines at the gym. I just haven't found a way to enjoy the cold yet. And it bothers me some. John On Dec 11, 7:42 am, The Ringer | |||||||||||||
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John, Dig deep. Make a small commitment to yourself to go out in the cold and only commit to run 5-10 minutes (just 5-10 minutes out of your life), and I doubt you will stop at 10 minutes. Still to this day I use different methods to motivate myself. This morning I had one of my toughest combined interval & tempo training sessions and I wanted to quit before it started and then I wanted to quit half way through but then I kept saying "5 more minutes," and then I thought about all the people in the world that don't have the opportunity to run or can't run in save places, and then I thought about those folks that would be out-working me if I did quit, and finally I said I can't be a hypocrite to my kids as I constantly tell them not to quit so I can't. There's many ways to get going but ultimately you have to commit to make the first step after that each additional step gets easier. Harry On Fri, Dec 11, 2009 at 12:26 PM, John Sprocket -- HHH http://hhollines.blogspot.com/ http://twitter.com/thexgen | |||||||||||||
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I actually prefer running in the cold. The first few minutes are the toughest, but once you warm up I think it's much nicer. No bugs, and no snakes. ;) Running in the snow is the nicest of all, and running in a snowstorm is heaven. Takes a couple of tries to get the clothing combo right, but it's well worth it. -- _________________________________ Tucker | |||||||||||||
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I just read this and it's fitting: "You rarely regret the runs you do; you almost always regret the runs you skip." Harry -- HHH http://hhollines.blogspot.com/ http://twitter.com/thexgen | ||||||||||
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