Barefoot Running - Get Warm First

It was a cold day which means it was a great day for a run. I went out on my 4.4 mile route during lunch. Passing through Riverfront Park another runner recognized me and pointed out that I was not barefoot. Well, yeah, it's like 35 degrees out. But his observation got me wondering. With winter coming, how much barefoot running can I do in the cold?

My route takes me onto Ohio St and then I cross the Sandifur Bridge and come up Riverside. Many times I've done this route and then removed my shoes for that last 1.4 miles to work after crossing the bridge, but it was always nice weather. So I thought I'd give it a try figuring my feet would be plenty warmed up after three miles in shoes. And it worked out pretty well. There was still a little snow along the roadway but not enough to worry about stepping in. My main concern was the cold water on the roadway. But my feet stayed mostly warm on the climb into Browne's Addition and they felt fine on the dry sidewalks back to downtown.

Normally I can tolerate running barefoot if it is over 40 degrees, but it's nice to know I have an option for when I do a longer run in the mid-30's, especially if it's dry.