Summer Barefooting and Cross Training
Posted by scott on July 6, 2010
We are finally getting into some great weather and, as usual, I am distracted with many things other than running. My big plans for the very long runs (30+ miles) get replaced with 3 hour runs and trips to the beach/pool/cabin/lacrosse/etc for family fun. And it’s a great trade!
photo credit: jiaren on flickr
I decided to hit barefooting hard this summer and am doing most runs barefoot, and then some in FiveFingers. I haven’t worn “real” shoes since I crossed the finish line at Zumbro, and I’m having a blast! I have had a few blisters here and there when I took the pace up too fast, but for the most part no problems whatsoever.
I had my real test last week when I carefully packed my running supplies to run home from my son’s lacrosse game in Coon Rapids – hydration pack, S! Caps, food, TP, map, etc. – and then left it all at home when we left in a hurry. I was so bummed when I realized this at the game! But then I got to thinking… I had put my running shorts on under my clothes for an easy change afterwards, and I had worn my Garmin. I had a phone, wallet, and sandals – did I really need anything more? No! So I kissed wifey goodbye and hit the pavement barefoot for 18 miles home. I carried my sandals to put on for buying aid in stores and chowed my way home. The pace was slow and my feet were pretty tender when I got home, but it was an exciting experience to go that far barefoot. No blisters, cuts, etc. No sore muscles, joints, etc. I had been waiting to clear 30 miles before signing up for Sawtooth, but after that run, I’m all in!
My summer is also filed with cross training and I love it. A lot of people say there really is no cross training for running, but I believe otherwise. I think anything balance oriented is great cross training. I have been hitting the wakeboard (no crashes this year), and doing a bit of yoga.
I also picked up an Indo Board and am loving it. It’s way more interesting to me than the bosu ever was, and it looks cooler! 😉 Its been hard to get the hang of it but I’m up to doing 15 uninterrupted full squats now. Next up – hanging 10!
Run Like Monkey 
Damien Tougas said
Hey cool, congrats on the Indo board, I think it is great cross training for a variety of sports that require strong feet and ankles. If you ever get the opportunity, you should try it at a standing desk when working on the computer.
scott said
Yeah, I think I need to get one of the bosu-like discs that you have for that. I can’t picture myself getting much done trying to do it with the roller! But my son likes to read while he stands on it, leaning on the back of a chair, so maybe I just need to get more creative. It’s such a blast, though, I love it.
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