There has been a lot of hype lately about barefoot running and all the wonderful benefits of running the way were were “born to run”. A friend sent me a great article from the New York Times last week on this subject that also included some of the history behind the transformation of running shoes. Apparently, before we started wearing all the fancy cushioned running shoes and expensive orthotics, runners had very few injuries. Now, studies show that almost all runners will experience some form of injury.
So, perhaps all those barefoot runners you might see around are on to something. I can’t say I will ever be one of them, but I am trying to run “lighter” and avoid heel striking when I run. Perhaps I would have been doing this all along had I ever been coached? That might have saved me lots of hamstring, hip and knee pain, not to mention the always lurking plantar fasciatis . . .
So, perhaps all those barefoot runners you might see around are on to something. I can’t say I will ever be one of them, but I am trying to run “lighter” and avoid heel striking when I run. Perhaps I would have been doing this all along had I ever been coached? That might have saved me lots of hamstring, hip and knee pain, not to mention the always lurking plantar fasciatis . . .
That being said, this is a new Nike video that takes the barefoot running to another level – at least it’s good for a chuckle!
Have you bought a new pair of barefoot shoes? Or maybe you want to try this way to run .. .let me know!
Credits:
Jorg Badura for The New York Times The Lost Secret of Running: Christopher McDougall demonstrates a lost running technique from the 1800s called the 100-Up.
By CHRISTOPHER McDOUGALL Published: November 2, 2011
The video below has been age-restricted due to content, so no kiddos in the room please!!
That’s hilarious! I LOVE Born to Run, and my Vibram 5 Fingers for shorter runs around the park. And my Saucony Kinvara’s have absolutely saved my knees! They aren’t minimalist, but they certainly do encourage the flat foot running (and are super light weight) versus the big heal strike Asics I wore for years! Great post Marla Dean!