Running in the snow at last

icy after a 1 1/2 hour barefoot run in the snow

This winter we’ve not even had a proper dusting yet, so today when we woke up to a clean white sheet, I knew it was time to go for good long run.  After dropping the kids off at school, I tucked my huaraches into my pocket and headed out barefoot towards Margitsziget.  The snow burned at first, but after getting some inner heat going everything felt good.  After an hour my toes started to get cold again and tingle (the salt-water slush didn’t help…), but by concentrating on the feeling of blood vessels opening up in my foot, everything regained an equilibrium until returning home.  There’s always something exciting about running in the snow!

Anyone for a barefoot swim?

Last time I was in Oxford I managed to fit in a run, but with half the town flooded and under water, it was more of a barefoot swim than a run…

Down by the Thames, the towpath disappeared into the river on more than one occasion…

After turning back, I came across this a few miles down the road in the other direction:

This one speaks for itself…

Below, Christchurch meadow is transformed into a large lake.  No cows grazing there today!  From left to right, you can see the distant spires of Christchurch Cathedral, University Church and Merton College.  For all you Harry Potter fans, half of the film was shot in Christchurch College.

Christchurch meadow turned into a large lake.

The water was cold, just a few degrees above zero…

When you can’t see what lies under foot, it’s better to put some protection (huaraches) on your feet!