Born to Run...Barefoot?

Runners!  Enjoying the -30 temps?  Enjoying layering up to run outside?  Enjoying large icicles hanging off the old head?  Not me, I am TIRED of this weather, and although I managed to get outside for 4, yes, 4, runs in this freezingest of freezing cold weather this week, I am tired of the cold and the running trials and tribulations that go with it and am ready for summer.  It is just so much more work in so many more ways to run outside in the winter, especially when its cold.

Remember before when I mentioned Christopher McDougall (author) and the book Born to Run?  Remember?  He recently did a talk at a Ted X event...and even if you're not a runner, the science is fascinating and worth 15 minutes of your time- this I promise.  Watch and consider- is this crazy barefoot running thing for you?  Yes?  No?  Comments?  Debates?   And one last thing, for those of you crazy enough to consider it...I seriously do NOT suggest a barefoot run in this weather.  Perhaps let's wait until summer to check this crazy barefoot theory out!

Shoes or No Shoes?

I would have to say that one of the biggest debates in the running world at this time (and likely in times past) is this whole philosophy and science around the idea of barefoot running (that would be running without shoes).  ARice Junior recently read (and highly recommends) a book entitled Born to Run by Christopher McDougall (click here to see info regarding this book: Born to Run) who writes partially about this whole barefoot running thing.  I've just ordered the book and can't wait for it to arrive.  For those of you that may prefer the Coles notes version, this little 4 minute video featuring McDougall and "The Roving Runner" (New York Time running blogger- obviously he stole my job- hmph) is interesting.  Very, very interesting...Running Barefoot Video

So?  Can we weigh in on this please?  Shoes?  Or no shoes?  And how might this barefoot thing work on a chilly January day in the frosty north?

2nd long run of training for me today...EXCITING!  And its sunny and beautiful to boot...EVEN MORE EXCITING! 

And just in case anyones wondering, I will be wearing shoes on this long one...