Enter Sock Season

So much for the unseasonably nice weather. December ended Ohio's snowless streak at 251 days, the second longest snow drought in state history. To me, snow is way better to run in than rain, but snow also means it's time for me to put on some socks.

I stopped wearing socks regularly about two years ago. I'm sort of an inside-out convert to minimalist and barefoot running: first the socks, then the shoes. But every winter, I'm forced to protect myself from frostbite with an extra layer beneath the breathable mesh of my running footwear.

I've been running in my Vibram FiveFingers KSOs exclusively, though infrequently (truly minimalist running), since I got them last month. I quickly learned that I would eventually need some insulation from the cold, which led to an experiment with some scissors and a pair of tube socks. The modified socks kept my feet warm, but were lacking in the comfort department.

Today, I bit the bullet. While shopping for some holiday gifts online, I threw in a pair of ridiculous toe socks for myself to increase the cost of my order to the amount needed to qualify for free shipping. Never mind that paying for shipping would have been cheaper than adding a pair of $10 socks. 'Tis the season, right?

Goodbye, nice weather. Goodbye, sockless running. Goodbye, November. Here is last month's statistical rundown:

• Total Miles: 33 miles (nine runs)
• Highest Weekly: 10 miles
• Average Weekly: 8.25 miles
• Average Pace: N/A (no watch used)
• Longest/Fastest Run: ~6 miles @ ~11:00 pace
• The Monthly Dif: +23 miles (10 miles in October)

I've been enjoying my freedom from the watch, but it's time to get more consistent mileage.