Shoes for Swamp Stomper?

Next week, Some friends and I are running the Swamp Stomper on the trails of Shelby Forest in Millington, TN. As, I mentioned in my very first post, this race was the on that inspired me to try my hand at some ultra distances. This year, a handful of us are going to challenge the hills, the water, the mud, and the cold for 2 - 16 mile laps to complete the entire 50k. The question is, Do I wear shoes or try the long haul in my Vibrams. The facts are this, My feet are going to be devastatingly painful in shoes by mile 16-20. The entire second lap is going to hurt. If I run in the Vibrams, I expect my feet to experience the same, end-all pain by about mile 12 at the latest. Beyond it being somewhat scary to contemplate, logically there is not much difference. If the trails are not standing water, I think I am going to try the Vibrams. If after the first lap, I am at risk for DNF, I will switch into shoes.

Sometimes, My feet bleed.

I finished 12.2 miles yesterday in the Vibrams at Tour de Wolf. I ran hard the entire time at just under 9 minute miles. This is encouraging but the Shelby Forest trails are infinitely more hilly. We will see. Until then.