I'm currently reading this book, Born to Run, by Christopher McDougall. It was a gift from my good friend, Holly. And I've reached the point in the book where it talks about all our modern-day running injuries being caused by modern-day running shoes. Seriously, everything that has been hurting in my left leg, the fallen arches and all of it, caused because I spend $200 on running shoes and custom insoles? Consider me skeptical, but intrigued. I read on.
Apparently there is a scientific explanation for this. As we add more support and shield our feet from their natural position, it weakens the foot. By going barefoot or in cheap shoes without support and cushion, you actually strengthen the foot and reduce the risk of a whole bunch of problems, many of which I'm having right now. In fact, according to a study led by a Swiss doctor, "runners wearing top of the line shoes are 123% more likely to get injured than runners in cheap shoes." Hmm...I can fix my injuries AND save money on running shoes. This is worth trying for sure.
And there are now styles of running that are being taught that have emerged from the barefoot phenomenon. One, Chi Running, is one that I went to a short workshop on, and in just 20 minutes, I felt more comfortable running that way than I ever have. I loved it, and I shared my 20 minute education with all my running friends, but a few months after the short workshop, I went back to my plodding style, slow and apparenly, injury-prone. Now, I'm not sure why I gave up on it.
I still have about 20% of the book left, but I'm ready to at least introduce barefoot running into my routine once a week. Maybe my weekly short run on a local track to see if it makes a difference. I'm also ready to give Chi Running another try. The place that offered the short workshop I attended offers a day-long training, and I think I'm going to sign up for the next one. Hey, it can't hurt, right?
Oh, and read the book. It's a great story with very colorful characters, a few of which I'd kill if I met in person (talking to you, Jenn). But it's fascinating and hard to put down. You will enjoy it even if you are not a runner.
Those barefoot shoes are all the rage! We've got a column on them coming out for March 1.
ReplyDeleteI run in Nike Frees and I love them. The caveat for me is that I can't run in them on concrete and asphalt, only grass, sand, and dirt. Also, I neither pronate nor supinate, barefoot running may not be great for you if you do either of those.
Just some stuff to keep in mind. Hope barefoot running works for you, 'cause I love it.