Since reading Born to Run
People fall on both sides of the fence with whether or not it’s truly better for you. Which is why I like this fact from the book: “Let’s get this straight: there is no evidence that modern running shoes prevent running injuries or make you a faster runner…why? Because the studies simply have not been done.” And why would they as long as we are paying for the newest and greatest every couple months.
I have considered barefoot running, but seriously felt like the jump from shoe to bare was just too 
mentally jarring, so I started training in the low profile Saucony Kinvara. Now though I have more information to take the next step when I feel ready, The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Barefoot Running by Dr. Craig Richards and Thomas Hollowell. I haven’t read any of the “Complete Idiot” books series, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. As you know I am an avid reader of all things running, so I was game…and more than pleasantly surprised.
RUNNING FORM
Great running form is important to everyone barefoot or not and the book provides a great number of tips, tricks and details on how to improve your running form. In a previous review of ChiRunning, I explained some of the recommendations and this book brings on even more ways to correct the things we may have started doing without even realizing it.
STRETCHES AND EXERCISES
They also provide what I considered some really great tips for strengthening your feet and stretching, which we all need to do for prevention of plantar fasciitis, tight calves, better stability and so on. 
TRANSITION PLAN
Here is where the barefoot plan is really broken down so that even the dumbest among us may venture out sans shoes one day. While anyone who has considered trying Vibram’s knows they say not to do more than maybe a mile the first time and build from there…I don’t know anyone who has listened to that or not gotten hurt.
Hence, they start well before you even step foot outside for a run! They lead you through going barefoot at home, doing some daily exercises…after a few weeks transitioning to short periods on the treadmill of walking…after that short periods of running and so on. Truly the plan is so gradual that it really ensures when you step foot outside your body is ready to handle the different muscles that will be activated and your feet are ready for the pebbles in the road.
MORE QUESTIONS?
Join the authors today for a 3PM TweetChat to ask any other questions you might have.
Of course you can also just buy the book on Amazon too if you are ready to get going. I would say it’s a worthwhile read for pretty much all runners…and a quick read at that because it includes pictures and visual clues for those like my husband who would prefer not to read, but have picture books.
Have you tried barefoot running yet? If not what’s holding you back?
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Gratitude Journal
March 31
I am grateful for Dramamine
I am grateful for egg sandwiches
I am grateful for deep breaths
I am grateful for warm embraces
I am grateful for Mizzou alumni
15 comments:
My husband has been running barefoot for a year I just can't do it. I've done a couple short runs in vibrams, but that's about it. I'm really clumsy and tend to zone out during runs, so I feel like I would have a tough time avoiding stuff on the ground.
Craig Richards is in the know...saw him talk about bf back in January. I am convinced that everyone can benefit from some degree of barefoot running. We are a nation of overextending heel strikers!
I began my barefoot experiment just a few weeks back but really enjoy it and I'm confident it will make me a healthier runner in the long run. I do know, however, that this won't happen overnight. It's a long, patience testing process.
Vibrams can be a valuable tool in your running toolbox for strength training drills and recovery. More power to anyone who tries it. I'm not about to ditch my shoes though.
Our ancestors ran without sport bras too. I'm not about to give those up either. Shoes have kept my feet happy and injury-free. No need to fix what isn't broken.
Another great and informative post. It all makes sense....I just haven't gotten around to ever making the shift (not interested in running barefoot but will consider making the shift to a low profile shoe).
Funny story....as I was running the very wet LA Marathon (monsoon like conditions) I was chatting with a barefoot runner. I opened my conversation with I understood why he was running barefoot (I'm sure they get tired of all the questions) but was curious how he felt the difference was in the awful conditions we were running in. He has run barefoot for 10 years and almost as soon as I asked the question, we ran through a 2 - 3 inch puddle. His response....."my feet aren't squishing around right now." Point well taken!
I only run barefoot on the beach. :)
It actually depends on the person if he or she would want to run barefoot if he or she is comfortable with it. I'll definitely not let go of my running shoes, though. :)
I haven't gone barefoot for actual runs tho I will do strides post run bf in the grass. I did make the change to a forefoot, light strike. It took time and I think we will see a huge increase in injury over the coming years as people jump into VFFs or barefoot without the buildup of the calf/foot/ankle strength that is needed.
I started getting up on my toes in my regular stability shoes and after 8 months, I was able to run in a racing flat for all my training. It takes time and with patience, people can benefit from minimal to barefoot running. Don't rush it tho!
I haven't tried bf running yet, but it seems so appealing! I will shot for the summer when my toesies won't be cold! Love the feeling of grass on my feet!
I have done some running in my VFF and you do have to take it slow. The problem I have is in the winter you cant get out with them because it is to cold. So running bf or in some mininalist shoe can be challenging in the winter. That is where I get fustrated with the VFF'S, because it is hard to go back and forth between shoes.
Doesn't everyone go barefoot at home? Around here you take your shoes off when you go inside anyone's home. Is that just a hick thing? (and kids usually don't wear shoes most of the time. I have actually taken my kids to the sitter without grabbing their shoes. Yeah, mother of the year!)
The book looks like a great place for runners to start. since my littlest loves to run sans shoes with me after my miles are in I am hoping to get more barefoot time on my feet. I like the strengthening I get in my feet, ankles and calves. Plus it helps my form in general.
Working in a PT clinic...I've seen a huge increase in the number of metatarsal fractures as well as puncture wounds since this barefoot running thing has taken off! Use barefoot running as an adjunct to your training; don't just start training barefoot!
I wont ever go all the way barefoot, but I did switch to the low profile New Balance WT 101. I LOVE THEM. They are soooo comfortable, and I can feel that I run with better form in them...landing more mid to fore foot.
I think there's something to the barefoot thing, but most people are definitely NOT doing it right and there will just be more injuries. I, for one, am sticking with shoes :)
Sounds like a great book. I haven't tried barefoot running yet, out of fear of hurting myself.
But I have tried out a pair of Saucony's ProGrid Mirages, and I loved them. I'll be posting my review next week.
I am convinced it is the way to go to learn proper form and then you can wear whatever shoes you want. But it does take time and patience to start from scratch. And you will get injured if you don't give it the time it needs. And really, barefoot running is SO fun.
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