cold (possibly wet) marathon strategy?? -barefoot/huarache



I am planning to do the Clonakilty Marathon in southern Ireland on December 6th. Temps will likely be 5-15C (40-60F) and a high likelyhood of rain. The course is mainly rolling asphalt roads with a bit of gravel.

I am planning to Nordic Walk & run the marathon. Back problems have delayed my transition to bare footing and it wouldn't be wise to try to barefoot the entire race. Shoes in last weekends marathon gave me some toe blisters.

My Plan A is to barefoot Nordic walk or run 5-15kms of the race and carry a pair of my Lunas or Xero Shoes to put on for the rest of the race.

My questions?
- Is it best to huarache it at the front end, middle or end of the race?
- What should I consider with huaraches & barefoot running if conditions turn wet?
- Tips for carrying huaraches?
- Bring toe socks with huaraches (if not raining)?


THANK YOU for any ideas and tips that you might have!

PS Anyone want to join me and a couple friends?!


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My questions?
- Is it best to huarache it at the front end, middle or end of the race?
- What should I consider with huaraches & barefoot running if conditions turn wet?
- Tips for carrying huaraches?
- Bring toe socks with huaraches (if not raining)?


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-I will suggest to use the huaraches as you feel, if you feel confortable BF, keep going, if the gravel is to sharp, put the Huaraches...

- I ran the México's city marathon completely under heavy rain the first half of the race, you can expect your soles to become softer and the asphalt and gravel may create some blisters, focus on your technique and you'll be fine. There's nothing to worry if you wear huaraches (as long as you are used to them in long races).

- I carry them inside my shorts, on the front, wherever you feel confortable, I dont like to have nothing on my hands.

Good luck...
 
How did it go? I'm interested in other barefooters' wet conditions strategies. My first half is in ten days and the long range forecast is for rain. The very idea of running 13 miles barefoot in cold rain is killing me and I can NOT run 13 miles in shoes (VFFs), much less wet shoes. Help.
 
I apologize for not follow up! The conditions turned VERY cold and rained only a bit. I was a part of an early start group that would begin the race in the dark and my headlamp was not powerful enough to see the course well ... and vehicles & tractors entered onto the course at times ... pushing runners to the sides (stones, brush, etc.). Needless to say, it wasn't a good fit for my barefoot debut! However, the race was absolutely beautiful and I'd encourage it as a race for seasoned barefooters or minimalist shoe wearers. The Irish & organization were great!

I decided to Nordic Walk the entire race in the best (biggest toe box) shoes I had. I ended up getting the worst blister I have suffered in a race on the ball of my left foot. A great race, but it again delayed my barefooting debut. My back is under control & my feet are developing well. I do the Barcelona Marathon in a month in March. I am going to do all my training barefoot & in huaraches ... and plan to go 10-30kms barefoot and finish it off in huaraches and carry sandals in a waist pack.