Topic: Barefoot Running

[Big daddy Eis]

So i have been reading the book"Born to Run" by Christopher McDougall and am learning some interesting things about running.  I am unsure if anyone else has read it, but if not, I highly recommend checking it out.  One of the area talked about in the book is barefoot running and injuries.  Before you go out and spend $100 on another pair of running shoes check this out.

"in 1989 The Journal of Sports Medicine stated that the most common variable among the casualties wasn't the running surface, running speed, weekly mileage, or competitive training motivation.  It wasn't even the body weight or history  or previous injury: it was the price of the shoe.  RUnners in shoes that cost more than $95 were more than twice as likely to get hurt as runners in shoes that cost less than $40.  Follow-up studies found similar results, like the 1991 report in Medicine and Science in SPorts and Exercise that found that wearers of expensive running shoes that are promoted as having additional features that protect (more cushioning, pronation correction) are injure significantly more frequently than runners wearing inexpensive shoes (costing less than $40)." 

The book advocates barefoot running, or running in 5 finger shoes or what not, and for good reason.  Prior to Nike coming up with the running shoes (when they our parents / grandparents wore flimsy, lightweight shoes, there were faster running times with fewer injuries.  Runners were running how mother nature intended.  There is a tribe in Mexico that runs either barefoot and sandals, over a hundred of miles at a time and do not have injuries.  We have become so dependent on running shoes that are legs and feet have become weaker, hence all the achilles, knee injuries, stress fractures shin splints.  When you do not run with all of the cushioning you are using different muscles that make your legs and feet stronger.  I have never had an injury running until i bought my first pari of shoes that cost more than $45.  And when i get back to the United STates, i plan on getting some Vibram Five FInger Shoes, and or something like Nike Free that offer some protection, but are more like how we were meant to read.  Look for the book review under the reading forum on here for the review of this book.  I feel this is a "Must Read" for anyone who runs at all.  Enough rambling.  I have more reading to do.

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[keetedw]

I haven't read this book, but have read a number of articles that discuss this.  I remember reading about the Kenyan (I think he was Kenyan) that won the Olympics while running barefoot.  He was sponsored by a major shoe company and in the next race, instead of wearing them, he carried them so he could continue to run barefoot.

Either way...

I've been running barefoot on a treadmill.  "Start Slow" cannot be emphasized enough.  While my joints immediately felt little to no impact, those ligaments, tendons and muscles were in no way prepared for such a dramatic change in such a short time.

I find I can run longer and certainly with less pain than I do in my $120 trainers.  Years of sports and snowboarding have taken their toll and now I'm finding I have bad hips and a bad lower back (doesn't help that I caught a falling wheeler wrong and threw out my lower back).  Running barefoot, however...no residual joint pain the following days.  Sure, muscle soreness, but that's expected regardless.

I'm a convert...I enjoy barefoot running.  Not sure I'm ready to jump into these just yet, though: http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/

[keetedw]

If you're running a lot, this may be worth looking into as well - http://www.posetech.com/pose_method/

[z_randy]

If you're running a lot, this may be worth looking into as well - http://www.posetech.com/pose_method/

Hey Keet look into ChiRunning.  It's all about form and running without injury and has helped me as I was having hip and knee issues

[Big daddy Eis]

If you're running a lot, this may be worth looking into as well - http://www.posetech.com/pose_method/

Hey Keet look into ChiRunning.  It's all about form and running without injury and has helped me as I was having hip and knee issues

may look into chirunning myself also, as i am having knee issues as i get back into running.. may have something to do with all of the jumping in crossfit....

keet: i would actually use the 5 fingers if you could, as it will add a little protection to the feet.  i personally have to wear shoes with socks when i run in the army pt uniform so am thinking of picking up a pair of Nike Free when i come home for leave in Oct.  THen progressing to barefoot when i come home for good in Feb

[BobChase]

If you're running a lot, this may be worth looking into as well - http://www.posetech.com/pose_method/

I've come across this in a lot of the CrossFit material. This is the method they teach to their athletes.

I like to run in the 5 Fingers every once in a while. They are extremely close to actual barefoot running but with that layer of protection between your feet and surface.

My experiences with barefoot were a mirror image of Keet's. Feet and ankles get worked like never before. Moderation is key.

Keith, have you ordered your Chia seeds yet? My manager at work (he's a HUGE supporter of Born To Run) turned me onto them. I've been making Chia fresca with them. Soak the seeds in water for 15 minutes (the seeds will expand to 10x their size), squeeze in half a lemon or lime and a tablespoon of maple syrup. Great pre-workout drink as long as you can get past the idea that what you're about to drink looks like a glass full of tadpoles. But it tastes damn good. A not-as-tart version of lemonade.

[Big daddy Eis]

have not ordered the Chia seeds yet.  I have not even looked into them, other than what i read in the book.  I will probabl look into them tonight and maybe order some.