[pct-l] Running Barefoot

Fri Dec 11 13:09:35 CST 2009

The article about barefoot running in the LA times a few days ago was about
Ken Saxon and his website (www.runningbarefoot.org).  I met Ken when I was
an undergrad at the College of Engineering at Long Beach State.  He was
barefoot all the time including on campus.  He was a pretty cool guy and if
we needed some spare parts for our projects he would let us into his
"office"--the electronics and computer lab and let us scounge for parts.  He
love to spout the gospel of barefoot running all time and we thought that
was amusing.  We called him the "hippie dude".

Dominic
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On Fri, Dec 11, 2009 at 9:35 AM, <pct-l-request at backcountry.net> wrote:

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> Today's Topics:
>
>   1. Re: Post Fire Recons (Gary Wright)
>   2. bare foot hiking. (canoeman at qnet.com)
>   3. HikeThru.com Launched (Paul Bodnar)
>   4. more station fire pics (canoeman at qnet.com)
>   5. Re: bare foot hiking. (Steve McAllister)
>   6. Re: Barefoot (bighummel at aol.com)
>   7. Re: PCT Barefoot (CHUCK CHELIN)
>   8. Re: Blisters and more. (Gary Schenk)
>   9. Re: bare foot hiking. (Scott Herriott)
>  10. Re: PCT Barefoot (ned at pacificcrestcustombuilders.com)
>  11. Re: jetboil trials, slogging on through
>      (ned at pacificcrestcustombuilders.com)
>
>
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> From: Gary Wright <gwtmp01 at mac.com>
> To: AsABat <asabat at 4jeffrey.net>
> Date: Fri, 11 Dec 2009 10:15:11 -0500
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] Post Fire Recons
>
> On Dec 11, 2009, at 9:18 AM, AsABat wrote:
>
> > While not condoning entry into closed areas, I'm getting real tired of
> them
> > protecting us from ourselves. I'm not sure what they mean by "extreme
> > danger," but see nothing in those photos that is "extreme". Now, road
> > walking Highway 138, that is "extreme danger."
> >
> > With respect for the work they do, and disdain for their policies that
> try
> > to "protect" us and the tourons that make those policies necessary,
>
> Well said.
>
>
>
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> From: canoeman at qnet.com
> To: pct-l at backcountry.net
> Date: Fri, 11 Dec 2009 07:33:11 -0800
> Subject: [pct-l] bare foot hiking.
> the only problem with hiking barefoot, is you end with feet that look like
> they
> belong to an upland mountain Gorilla.
> 1/2 inch callouses.
>
> yeesh
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> From: Paul Bodnar <paulbodnar at hotmail.com>
> To: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
> Date: Fri, 11 Dec 2009 10:36:11 -0500
> Subject: [pct-l] HikeThru.com Launched
>
> PCT Hikers,
>
>
> I have just launched http://hikethru.com/, a website dedicated to the
> needs of the hikers of the Pacific Crest Trail.  My goal is to inspire,
> educate and increase the success rate of hikers completing their goal of
> finishing the entire Pacific Crest Trail.
>
> Paul
> _________________________________________________________________
> Hotmail: Powerful Free email with security by Microsoft.
> http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/171222986/direct/01/
>
>
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> From: canoeman at qnet.com
> To: pct-l at backcountry.net
> Date: Fri, 11 Dec 2009 07:46:56 -0800
> Subject: [pct-l] more station fire pics
>
> this site has photos from the open highway of the station fire area
>
>
> http://geekhiker.wordpress.com/2009/12/08/station-fire-photos/
>
> canoeman
>
>
>
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> From: Steve McAllister <brooklynkayak at gmail.com>
> To: pct-l at backcountry.net
> Date: Fri, 11 Dec 2009 10:47:49 -0500
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] bare foot hiking.
> Some may find that attractive:-)
>
> On Fri, Dec 11, 2009 at 10:33 AM,  <canoeman at qnet.com> wrote:
> > the only problem with hiking barefoot, is you end with feet that look
> like they
> > belong to an upland mountain Gorilla.
> > 1/2 inch callouses.
> >
> > yeesh
> >
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > Pct-l mailing list
> > Pct-l at backcountry.net
> > http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
> >
>
>
>
> --
> ... when your feeling blue, and you've lost all your dreams, there's
> nothing like a campfire and a can of beans!
>   -- Tom Waits
>
> http://kayakbrooklyn.blogspot.com
>
>
>
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> From: bighummel at aol.com
> To: pct-l at backcountry.net
> Date: Fri, 11 Dec 2009 10:48:32 -0500
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] Barefoot
> Actually, in 1977, Monte Dodge thru-hiked barefoot without any preparation
> and only broke three toes, lost 9 toenails and now has no feeling in 5 toes
> from frostbite. But you have never heard one whine or complaint out of
> Monte, have you? This is because he's tough, real tough.  Not a panty waste
> ultra light weight 40-miles-per-day trail runner.  No, he was and is THE
> toughest mountain man alive.  Yep, there used to be tougher, but most of
> them died on Everest in 2006.
>
>
> If you don't believe any of this, check out his photo website and notice
> what he's wearing on his feet on snowshoes!
>
>
> Greg Hummel (jk)
>
>
> " Best to travel light, carry little, keep it simple."
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> From: CHUCK CHELIN <steeleye at wildblue.net>
> To: Ellen Shopes <igellen at comcast.net>
> Date: Fri, 11 Dec 2009 07:59:29 -0800
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] PCT Barefoot
> Good morning,
>
> I will second Ellen’s comments.  Primitive people eschewed footwear most of
> the time because making such was difficult and time-consuming, and in
> day-to-day activities around the camp or the village protection wasn’t
> really necessary.  If their feet became worn or sore they just walked less.
> When a longer trip was necessary, such as during a migration or when on an
> extended hunting trip, they used footwear of some sort; but those trips
> certainly weren’t 2,663 miles in length – they were maybe 100-200 miles.
> Here
> is a good example of such footwear from about 10,000 years ago.  They are
> from an area in Oregon about 50 miles east of the PCT:
> http://www.uoregon.edu/~connolly/FRsandals.htm
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Rock
>
> Ray Jardine advocated occasionally hiking barefoot, but he seems to have
> always worn clothing.  Colin Fletcher advocated occasionally hiking naked,
> but he seems to have always worn shoes.  Oh my, oh my…. What are we to
> believe?
>
> Steel-Eye
> Hiking the Pct since before it was the PCT – 1965
> http://www.trailjournals.com/steel-eye
> http://www.trailjournals.com/SteelEye09
>
>
> On Fri, Dec 11, 2009 at 3:45 AM, Ellen Shopes <igellen at comcast.net> wrote:
>
> > While I agree that our culture has probably over-engineered footwear, it
> is
> > no accident that so many cultures discovered footwear, whether you are
> > talking about the sandels of desert dwellers  and Asian cultures,
> moccasins
> > of eastern woodland Indians, or shoes as we know it.  People found value
> in
> > protecting their feet.  Even Barefoot Tom admits to some pretty nasty
> foot
> > injuries...I don't think it's crazy to try, but I would condition one's
> > feet
> > alot before the hike, and bring some sort of protection as backup...
> > Ellen
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "Paul Mitchell" <bluebrain at bluebrain.ca>
> > To: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
> > Sent: Thursday, December 10, 2009 8:18 PM
> > Subject: Re: [pct-l] PCT Barefoot
> >
> >
> > > There's a fair bit of info online about barefoot hiking and running in
> > > general.  It's quite compelling and after a couple hours of research it
> > > seemed pretty obvious to me that if a person could make it work for
> > > themselves (i.e. strengthen their feet up with barefoot training) that
> it
> > > would be the way to go.  There are a number of benefits but the most
> > > important one to me is the natural strengthening of the foot muscles to
> > > form
> > > a self supported arch (which is something the AT hiking barefoot
> sisters
> > > mentioned as well), and in general a return to more natural walking
> which
> > > effects everything from the feet up (knees, hips, etc).  I've read from
> > > some
> > > barefoot hikers that after a full day of barefoot hiking their feet
> feel
> > > good, something they had never experienced when shod.  Having feet feel
> > > good
> > > at the end of a hiking day seemed like an interest idea!
> > >
> > > So, plenty of introductory information out there, but not much (that I
> > > could
> > > find) about the specifics of the PCT.  I.e. hot desert, cold snow,
> stream
> > > crossings, mosquitoes, and just in general long distance bare footing.
> > >
> > > I'm also interested in the barefoot alternatives like the Vibram Five
> > > Fingers, wondering if anybody has hiked in those.
> > >
> > > Cheers,
> > > - Potential178
> > >
> > > _______________________________________________
> > > Pct-l mailing list
> > > Pct-l at backcountry.net
> > > http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > Pct-l mailing list
> > Pct-l at backcountry.net
> > http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
> >
>
>
>
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> From: Gary Schenk <gwschenk at socal.rr.com>
> To: pct-l at backcountry.net
> Date: Fri, 11 Dec 2009 08:21:41 -0800
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] Blisters and more.
> I'm coming to believe more and more, that mesh shoes are not for me. The
> dirt
> that works its way into the shoes, combined with sweat creates an almost
> cement mixture that is hard on the feet.
>
>
>
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> From: Scott Herriott <yetifan at yahoo.com>
> To: pct-l at backcountry.net
> Date: Fri, 11 Dec 2009 08:47:52 -0800 (PST)
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] bare foot hiking.
> Yeesh wrote:
>
> > the only problem with hiking barefoot, is you end with feet that > look
> like they
> > belong to an upland mountain Gorilla.
> > 1/2 inch callouses.
>
>
> To which Steve replied:
>
> > Some may find that attractive:-)
>
>
> Unfortunately, her name will be Koko.
>
>
>
> Squatch
> www.walkpct.com
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> From: <ned at pacificcrestcustombuilders.com>
> To: "Austin Williams" <austinwilliams123 at gmail.com>, <
> pct-l at backcountry.net>
> Date: Fri, 11 Dec 2009 09:19:07 -0800
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] PCT Barefoot
> Personally, I think this idea is crazy!
>
> Mtnned
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Austin Williams" <
> austinwilliams123 at gmail.com>
> To: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
> Sent: Thursday, December 10, 2009 6:02 PM
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] PCT Barefoot
>
>
>  I love the idea.  I think I've heard of a couple of women who hiked the AT
>> barefoot.  I'm worried about your feet in the desert sections, and in the
>> few lava-rock sections.  You may consider taking some moccasins with you
>> for
>> those areas.
>>
>> Also, having done a SMALL amoount of hiking barefoot, I'd highly reccomend
>> doing lots of barefoot hiking before the PCT to toughen your feet up.  At
>> first, you'll need a lot of time to heal in between barefoot hikes.  If
>> you
>> don't toughen up before the hike, you'll have to take lots of zero days
>> early in your trip to heal.
>>
>> I think this is totally doable though.  I think I'll do some barefoot
>> hiking
>> this summer.  Neat idea.
>>
>> -Austin
>>
>> On Thu, Dec 10, 2009 at 5:44 PM, Paul Mitchell <bluebrain at bluebrain.ca
>> >wrote:
>>
>>  Hello All
>>>
>>> Does anybody have any first or second hand stories of hiking the PCT
>>> barefoot?  I read in an early journal this past season about one guy who
>>> was
>>> trying it this year, but haven't been able to find anything on how that
>>> worked out.  I've heard of at least a couple others.  I'm giving it some
>>> consideration after a bunch of inspiring reading on the subject & would
>>> love
>>> to pick the brain of someone who has actually done it or at least tried.
>>>
>>> Cheers,
>>> - Potential 178
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Pct-l mailing list
>>> Pct-l at backcountry.net
>>> http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
>>>
>>>  _______________________________________________
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>
>
>
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> From: <ned at pacificcrestcustombuilders.com>
> To: <canoeman at qnet.com>, "Jtm" <jtmlite at gmail.com>
> Date: Fri, 11 Dec 2009 09:35:51 -0800
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] jetboil trials, slogging on through
> You're killing me! What you can do with your Jetboil is amazing!
>
> Mtnned
> ----- Original Message ----- From: <canoeman at qnet.com>
> To: "Jtm" <jtmlite at gmail.com>
> Cc: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
> Sent: Thursday, December 10, 2009 6:03 PM
> Subject: [pct-l] jetboil trials, slogging on through
>
>
>  what, NO FRESH BAKED CROISSANTS ?
>> I'm trying out more goodies on my jet boil tonight. the helios guide set.
>> mountain house lasagna with meat sauce, mountain house  blue berry
>> crumble, and
>> a sourdough Baguette w/ virgin olive oil from trader joes.
>> and of course french pressed Italian roasted coffee with cacao powder, and
>> the
>> 83 percent dark chocolate bars.
>> research is a bitch you know.........but I'm pressing on with this burden.
>>
>> wish me luck......aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh
>> canoeman
>>
>>
>> Quoting Jtm <jtmlite at gmail.com>:
>>
>>  That's the only reason I hiked with moondog and gil in 08... French
>>> pressed
>>> israeli coffee at every break. =)
>>>
>>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Pct-l mailing list
>> Pct-l at backcountry.net
>> http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
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>> __________ Information from ESET Smart Security, version of virus
>> signature database 4677 (20091210) __________
>>
>> The message was checked by ESET Smart Security.
>>
>> http://www.eset.com
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>>
>>
>
>
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