Comments on: Mount Washington Climbing Trip Report – plus my hypotheses for not fatiguing quickly on a long hike

By: Barefoot Running in the Snow - 5 Tips to Help You Make the Transition | Physical Living

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 22:49:01 +0000

[...] Barefoot hike up New Englands tallest peak, Mt. Washington – John’s Climbing Trip Report [...]

By: Shane Heins

Shane Heins — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 19:31:13 +0000

Up all the way barefoot! That’s great John. I really enjoy getting out for hikes as well and just this last winter started going up with vibram’s. When hiking on the snow, you don’t feel your toes for about 20 min, but then the heat kicks in. Eventually will have to give it a try (mind you not in the snow) straight up barefoot.

As to theories on not fatiguing, seeing as their is a common thread in the physical activity undergone and the training we share, thought you might like to add this to your database of results:)

http://gymjane.wordpress.com/2008/11/21/mobility-up-a-mountain/

By: John

John — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 16:32:26 +0000

Will do, Damien.

Thanks for your comment dubbahdee. Barefoot running does seem slightly less tiresome, similar to hiking. It’s a different gait, and I’m starting to think it’s naturally much more efficient. I haven’t been able to increase my pace much over shod running though. I think I’m at about a 8.5 minute pace barefoot. I’ve held that for 4 miles at most.

I think part of it is due to my feet not being completely toughened up yet, so I’ve progressed very slowly into barefoot running this year. I can’t run any faster than my feet can handle without severe pain, and this is acting like a natural gauge for my running progress.

I don’t think I’ll ever go back to shod running, at least not in the warmer months.

By: dubbahdee

dubbahdee — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 16:16:04 +0000

About a month ago, I added barefoot running to my training. It’s been fascinating to feel my lower legs and feet get stronger. I’m also watching the soles of my feet, starting slow to build them up. I have been pondering barefoot hiking and will likely be doing some long woods walks and testing the hiking out on Mt Major.
I have noticed that I seem to run a bit faster and easier without shoes. A good pace for a mile with shoes would be 8.5 mins. I seem to be doing a 7.5 min pace unshod. Of course, at this point, I’m only running 2 miles at a time. We’ll see if the pace stays around there. Most remarkable though is that I don’t feel as though I am pushing or rushing — similar to your observation about not being tired. The gait is definitely different and I think more natural and that may well attribute to the efficiency.
Nice job. Washington is a GREAT hike. I will be following your blog.

By: Damien Tougas

Damien Tougas — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:32:17 +0000

Hmmm… well, if you do decide to do it this year, let me know when you are planning on heading there… depending on the circumstances, maybe I could join you.