Boldly barefoot: Boulder runners hit the snow sans shoes

By Jenn Fields, fields@coloradodaily.com

Boulder Daily Camera
 

Michael Sander, of Boulder, and his fiancee, Jessica Lee, along with their dog, Pumpkin, run around the lake outside of South Boulder Recreation Center in Boulder, Friday, Feb. 19, 2010. (KASIA BROUSSALIAN)

 
Runner Scott McLean has had sore feet lately from doing something unusual — wearing shoes.
“When I’m running barefoot, my [...]

The Challenges of Barefoot Running on Treadmills

So, it’s the dead of Winter. The air temperature has finally climbed into the 40’s, but the ground’s still as cold as ice. Plus, it looks like snow is in the forecast this week. “Wait, I’m not ready for barefoot running in snow!” you exclaim. The fact of the matter is we can’t always go barefoot when we want to, especially as beginners. And, that’s when you start eyeing that trusty treadmill.

Can you run barefoot on a treadmill? The answer is, “Yes,” and it’s not a bad idea if it’s the only way you can get barefoot running. But, please, please, please proceed with caution and consider the issues below before you get started.

Michael Sandler Running Barefoot in Deep Snow on Film Shoot

Yesterday Ray Keller, Jessica, and I headed out in the snow to have some fun. It was a fantastic day, with over 18 inches of snow on the ground and falling! Thank you Ray Keller for filming in such difficult conditions, and Pearl Izumi for the gear. Enjoy this little clip, and enjoy Mother Nature!!!

Preparing for the Cold

Michael Sandler running barefoot in Boulder, Colorado at the start of an April 2009 snowstorm.

When you run barefoot in the cold, your muscles are forced to do the work to support your feet that shoes or over-supportive boots used to do. Before, when you ran in the cold, your body shunted blood AWAY from your [...]