Barefoot Running? Anyone Else Try it?
- Thread starter LinuxRacr
- Start date
More evidence pointing to why going barefoot is better for us:
Click Me: http://nopain2.org/geekfit/2008/09/kick_your_shoes_off_free_your.html
Click Me: http://nopain2.org/geekfit/2008/09/kick_your_shoes_off_free_your.html
Im not a fan of barefoot running but there are shoes nowadays that simulate "natural running." Im about to buy a pair of nike lunar racing shoes. Basically they have very limited torsional support allowing your foot to move naturally. Most shoe companies try to "fix" your foot into the proper position but, at least in my case, ended up getting me injured. These new shoes are very flexible and allow your foot to move while maintaining proper cushioning on the soles.
Just food for thought.
Just food for thought.
Honestly though I wouldn't throw all your marbles in one bag. There are hundreds of well researched articles supporting almost every aspect of running. Bottom line is do what feels most comfortable for you and leads to the least amount on injury. If barefoot running feels good for you . . . than go for it !
I just prefer to trust the design of my body more. It's not about just feeling good (lord knows that when I first switched to barefoot, it didn't feel good at first), but more about correcting my range of motion, and rebuilding the muscles that have been denied access for so long.
I hear you LinuxRacr... there's some really good stuff you can learn about the body. The more you know, the better. I just had a 2 hour meeting yesterday w/ Dr. Ray McClanahan here in Portland. He's a podiatrist. We talked biomechanics, injuries, and so much more. I'm meeting with him again in a couple weeks. He's got some revolutionary, but very intelligent ideas. For all 9of you guys reading this thread and not sure what you want to do about running barefoot or whatnot, take a look through his website.
http://www.nwfootankle.com/
I'm hoping that after my consult yesterday and a renewed healthy approach to running I'll be running faster and more consistently by the middle of this year.
http://www.nwfootankle.com/
I'm hoping that after my consult yesterday and a renewed healthy approach to running I'll be running faster and more consistently by the middle of this year.
I run on grass, and dirt too. As for sharp objects, I'd just pull it out, and keep on going, but no incidents yet. The thing to understand, is that your overall way of walking/running totally changes, and you are careful and agile by default.
Also, take a look at this VERY insightful article, that has excerpts from the book, "Born To Run" by Christopher McDougall: The Painful Truth About Trainers
Also, take a look at this VERY insightful article, that has excerpts from the book, "Born To Run" by Christopher McDougall: The Painful Truth About Trainers
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Very cool article linux. Thanks for sharing. I am always open to learning about alternative views when it comes to running.
That being said here is what I think. Keep in mind I have run marathons and I currently do triathlons (less running). Just trying to establish a little credibility.
After reading counless articles supporting this or that when it comes to running I have come to the conclusion that everyones bodies are different so it is impossible to establish a universal criteria as to basically anything when it comes to running. That idea pertains to training methods, foot strike, shoe type, etc.
I have read a lot of articles about barefoot running. Many, including this one, give examples of indigenous tribes such as those in africa or mexico. Their rate of injury is much lower than many Americans with their expensive state of the art shoes. I think this demonstrates evolution in action. Our ancestors ran barefoot and over the years shoes have essentially weakened / altered our feet. Compare that to these underdeveloped tribes who have been running barefoot from generation to generation.
I think barefoot running is a good theory and may benefit a lot of people but its only one piece of the problem.
I started running long distance in high school with basically no support running shoes. Similar to the new nike lunar shoes with basically no torsional support. Simply a little cushion on the sole. As my distance increased (played soccer as well) I started developing pain. I thought it was normal (young and ignorant) and all of a sudden boom. Stress fracture that ended my D1 soccer scholarship. I had to stay off my leg for over a year. I then changed my foot strike to forefoot striking (which is strongly advocated right now) and I developed tendonitis in my muscle. The moral here illustrates that running is hard on the body. It doesn't matter where you strike the stress takes its toll on the unlucky ones.
After a lot of research I realized that I could not wear high support shoes because if my foot isn't allowed to naturally pronate . . . bad things would happen.
As for no support . . . That gave me the stress fracture so I knew that was out of the question.
Recently the answer I have found are custom orthodics that don't allow my foot to pronate so much and put stress on my shin. I only run 5 miles at a time because I wan't to avoid injury but im 6 months and pain free. Its amazing to be able to run without any pain. Don't take that for granted.
Anyway I know this post was a bit scattered and im too lazy to proofread it but these are just my thoughts. I don't pretend to know everything because thats impossible. I just think everyone is unique needs to find what works best for him or her.
That being said here is what I think. Keep in mind I have run marathons and I currently do triathlons (less running). Just trying to establish a little credibility.
After reading counless articles supporting this or that when it comes to running I have come to the conclusion that everyones bodies are different so it is impossible to establish a universal criteria as to basically anything when it comes to running. That idea pertains to training methods, foot strike, shoe type, etc.
I have read a lot of articles about barefoot running. Many, including this one, give examples of indigenous tribes such as those in africa or mexico. Their rate of injury is much lower than many Americans with their expensive state of the art shoes. I think this demonstrates evolution in action. Our ancestors ran barefoot and over the years shoes have essentially weakened / altered our feet. Compare that to these underdeveloped tribes who have been running barefoot from generation to generation.
I think barefoot running is a good theory and may benefit a lot of people but its only one piece of the problem.
I started running long distance in high school with basically no support running shoes. Similar to the new nike lunar shoes with basically no torsional support. Simply a little cushion on the sole. As my distance increased (played soccer as well) I started developing pain. I thought it was normal (young and ignorant) and all of a sudden boom. Stress fracture that ended my D1 soccer scholarship. I had to stay off my leg for over a year. I then changed my foot strike to forefoot striking (which is strongly advocated right now) and I developed tendonitis in my muscle. The moral here illustrates that running is hard on the body. It doesn't matter where you strike the stress takes its toll on the unlucky ones.
After a lot of research I realized that I could not wear high support shoes because if my foot isn't allowed to naturally pronate . . . bad things would happen.
As for no support . . . That gave me the stress fracture so I knew that was out of the question.
Recently the answer I have found are custom orthodics that don't allow my foot to pronate so much and put stress on my shin. I only run 5 miles at a time because I wan't to avoid injury but im 6 months and pain free. Its amazing to be able to run without any pain. Don't take that for granted.
Anyway I know this post was a bit scattered and im too lazy to proofread it but these are just my thoughts. I don't pretend to know everything because thats impossible. I just think everyone is unique needs to find what works best for him or her.
Yesterday I ran twice, and discovered something awesome about myself!!! I think I finally understand the joy of running, by remembering what I had learned from the book, "Born to Run!"
Just ease into the run, and don't run for speed. You shouldn't jog faster than the speed @ which you can hold a normal conversation. If so, slow down a little. Listen to your body. Feel any pain? Correct your form!
Could have kept going for miles, but I realized that my muscle conditioning is not quite there yet, so I stopped, and walked. I listened to my body. When I stopped, I wasn't breathing hard at all!!
So to recap, take it easy, enjoy the scenery, and listen to your body.
Just ease into the run, and don't run for speed. You shouldn't jog faster than the speed @ which you can hold a normal conversation. If so, slow down a little. Listen to your body. Feel any pain? Correct your form!
Could have kept going for miles, but I realized that my muscle conditioning is not quite there yet, so I stopped, and walked. I listened to my body. When I stopped, I wasn't breathing hard at all!!
So to recap, take it easy, enjoy the scenery, and listen to your body.
Went for another run this morning barefoot. I ran my furthest distance ever, with a little help. I got to the end of a street in my neighborhood, and heard what I thought were ambulance sirens... Upon listening closer, and as the sound was getting closer, if realized they weren't sirens, but a pack of coyotes! Needless to say, I busted a u-turn...
<script src="http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/.element/js/2.0/video/evp/module.js?loc=dom&vid=/video/living/2009/10/07/barefoot.runner.mcdougall.cnn" type="text/javascript"></script><noscript>Embedded video from <a href="http://www.cnn.com/video">CNN Video</a></noscript>
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- 2006 Shadow Blue GLI
I haven't tried the barefoot run yet. But I might do the Vibrams. I do about 20 miles a week and I switch from grass and asphalt runs. I can see how barefoot would be better.
this guy seems to be quite large for someone who puts on that kind of mileage. perhaps if he dropped his body mass he wouldn't have the injuries he suffered from. that guy isn't exactly someone who i look at and say "i want to be like him. let me do what he's doing because obviously it's working" when it comes to fitness. not to say his philosophy is right or wrong but he's not a very effective spokesperson
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That's because Chris keeps it real. He's not trying to be some fitness guru, he's just telling his story. Drop his body mass? The dude is pretty lean already, and TALL. Also, if you are referring to body mass as a reason for injuries, why is he no longer sustaining those injuries without shoes?
