It was the coldest Polar Barefoot Run on record, with a temperature of around 11F/-12C degrees at the start. About 12 hardy souls showed up and had a good time socializing with each other. Most bared their soles, though it wasn't required.
I was fine running unshod on the paved parking lot during the first half mile. I originally wanted to run a whole mile barefooted, but my feet chickened out once I hit the snowy second half of the course. They became completely painful and numb all at the same time. I couldn't even get my feet to go into my VFF Sprints (that I carried along just in case), but I managed to get out of the snow and return to my van to warm up the toes. Shortly after that, a local TV news photog showed up, and I managed to get the VFFs on to run a little in the snow so he could get some footage. Afterward we all warmed up with hot cocoa that Rick provided.

I also look forward to continuing to develop my ability to run barefooted even in snow and bitterly cold temperatures. The VFF Sprints are a good stop-gap, though. They cover my feet just enough to take the "bite" off, but still allow my feet to feel bare and move more naturally.
Here's to many more barefoot runs in the months and years to come! Happy New Year! I welcome your comments or questions below.
More on the Web: Barefoot Rick Roeber's run report
News coverage: Photos from The Kansas City Star
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