Barefooting Trails, I am not sure I dig it | Barefoot Runners Society

I have done a lot of barefoot running in the last year. Nothing on the scale of some but heading out for a 6 mile BF run on about any surface is usually no big deal. I might get a small hotspot or some tender feet on a bad asphalt run but in general, I think I do OK. I don’t run as fast BF as I do in something minimal, I prefer KSOs, but I can usually deal with that since speed isn’t really the goal.

However, when I hit the trails there are just way too many gotchas. Sticks, Thorns, Rocks, pointy rocks and as much as I love the feel of running in soft or smooth dirt, it is almost inevitable I hit something painful. With a pair of VFFs or Huaraches 4mm cherry I can still get the basic foot workout and have just enough protection that I don’t end up slowing down and losing the FUN which is why I am there anyway.

For example; Last night I headed to a local trail. It is a very sweet trail, lots of challenges like rocks, roots, creeks, hills, snakes, ticks and general pokey things. The run over to the trail is about 1 mile and I did that all BF then when I hit the trail, dodging the clover and the bees, I went from a 9 minute pace to 13 minute pace as I ooch’d and ow’d my way along a particular gravel and rock area, then the roots started jumping out and as light faded in the shadows I slowed even more. Finally after almost running into a tree, I was busy watching every step, and dodging poison ivy too, I decided to put on the KSOs. My pace increased and although I still need to keep a very close eye on the trail, I was able to look around a bit and enjoy the run.

Now I know I am speaking blasphemy here since I am “Supposed” to be a barefooter but I have to say, it is all about the pleasure of the run and sometimes I think I get so caught up in my own ego and doing it barefoot that I forget to enjoy the run.Of course I am open for input on ways that I might improve my trail barefoot skills but I think I will stop getting so religious about it all. Here is a POV video of me dodging things

1 Comment

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  By Mike Rives, August 12, 2010 @ 12:19 pm

  Scott, TJ from the Barefoot Running Society wanted me to contact you to see if you would be interested in displaying out BFS “Stomp of Approval”? It is a blog roll we are going to be putting up on the BFS site. I can email you more info if you are interested. Just email me at mikerives (at) gmail (dot) com. Just trying to get the word out.
  Cheers,
  Mike
  Head Stomper

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