Technical tip Cold weather running Autumn During the summer months, especially in the UK, the ground doesn’t tend to get too hot very often and surfaces are quite comfortable; neither too hot nor too cold. This makes things easier overall, so that even rough ground is fairly manageable once you’ve had a few months practice.
What’s underneath the leaves?!
here’s definitely a chill developing in the air and as we head towards Autumn and Winter, it’s useful to know what you can expect from your running experience as the ground underfoot gets colder and the icy breezes start to kick in. It is particularly important for the barefoot runner to understand and be aware of the challenges that cold weather can bring. Some barefoot runners will be thinking of dusting off their minimalist shoes in preparation but others will be getting ready for the challenge of continuing to run barefoot throughout the winter months. With this in mind, we’ve come up with a few helpful hints that we’ve noted in the past from our cold weather barefoot escapades. Page 30
Autumn 2012
When the seasons begin to change, however, the ground begins to cool along with an increase in debris underfoot. Twigs, thorns and conkers start to make an appearance, with the added challenge of leaves on the ground potentially covering a multitude of hazards that might cut your feet or at least have you reaching for the disinfectant. Regarding the increase in extra paraphernalia on the ground, you can do one of two things. You can either maintain your usual running form and run over the obstacles, using them as extra training to toughen your feet. Or, allow your footfall to become even lighter and more dance-like so that you dodge the majority of uncomfortable objects underfoot by paying close attention to your surroundings and adapting your route accordingly. It’s worth trying to avoid piles of leaves altogether as you have no idea what’s underneath them. It sounds obvious, but be aware of the shorter days and resulting diminished light. Barefoot running in the dark isn’t off limits
Barefoot Running Magazine
by any means but it does take some practise and there’s also the added issue of running alone in the dark – best not to!
As Barefoot Ted says, “numb feet are dumb feet.“ Winter Although the weather has been doing rather strange things recently, the Winter months are still when you can expect to experience the coldest temperatures and the corresponding unpleasant side effects such as numb extremities, runny noses, painful lungs and attempting to run with at least five layers of clothing on, making it difficult to even move. Taking your time to warm up and loosen your body is essential. When you feel cold, you tend to stiffen up and you’ll probably feel this particularly in your feet and ankles. Mobilizing all your joints and doing some reactive/plyometric exercises will increase your body temperature and give your body a bit of ‘spring’. If you’re completely barefoot, you’ll find that the ground feels more abrasive. Rough sections that you could run relatively easily in the summer will feel harsher. Even if your feet are warm when you start out (which we would recommend) they will get cold initially before