We finally had our first significant snowfall today. I think we got just over 12 inches (approx 30cm). My wife came home from work a little early and we took our dog, Ronin, to Clough State Park for some gallivanting. Realizing I had a compadre who could hold the camera, I thought it would be a great opportunity for my first barefoot run in the snow. That, and since I’ve never done this before, I thought it would be a good idea if someone else was there… er, in case, you know, I slipped and died or something.

Here is a video account of the run. You can decide if I’m crazy, stupid, or daring…

Barefoot Running in the Snow

So, I ran 1 mile barefoot, twice as far as I had expected to make it. Quite honestly, I figured that the cold would be too much for me and that I would wimp out. But I set my mind on completing the task no matter what, and after a half mile I felt like I could go much longer. I was dressed plenty warm and my body temperature stayed warm throughout the short run. Actually, the longer I had been running, the warmer my feet got.

I think 1 mile was a good starting point for me personally. Having the endurance to run several miles is great, but it’s safer to progress as gradually as possible whenever changing one of the variables.

I don’t recommend that anyone just jump right into barefoot running, and especially not going barefoot in the snow. It’s a skill that must be developed incrementally. I’ve spent the entire year going barefoot and my intuition assured me that I was ready for something of this nature. If you’d like some more information about going barefoot, feel free to read my Definitive Guide to Going Barefoot.

On the other hand, if you HAVE been running barefoot already. If your feet and body are conditioned for shodless running, and you think that you’re ready for a barefoot run in the snow, here are some tips that may help. Continue reading Barefoot Running on the Snow – 5 Tips to Help You Make the Transition