[pct-l] PCT Barefoot

[Matt Thyer]

Yep cracking is probably the biggest problem most BFers run into.  Cracks
are as painful as blisters and harder to deal with once they happen.  An
ounce of prevention is better than a ton of cure in this case.

Speed, given good conditioning and stride, will eventually pick up.  I don't
know if I'm slower now because I'm old or barefoot however.  I do know that
I'm a much healthier runner than I used to be when I wore shoes.

MT

-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net]
On Behalf Of Steve McAllister
Sent: Friday, December 11, 2009 4:48 AM
To: Pacific Crest Trail List
Subject: Re: [pct-l] PCT Barefoot

I read both of the Barefoot Sisters books. They go into good details about
their hike.

They did wear boots part of the time, during the cold winter months.
Not because their feet were cold, but because of slick ice and the fact that
you can't watch your step on snow covered ground.

They had no problems walking on broken glass near shelters, nor sharp rock
areas.

The negative aspects that I remember from the books were that they couldn't
walk quite as fast barefoot, but enjoyed the hike more.
They also had to make sure they applied moisturizer  to their feet regularly
to prevent cracks, which could be a major problem with thick foot callus.