Good short video about the barefoot running debate:
http://www.chrismcdougall.com/blog/2012/07/caveman-vs-podiatrist/
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Thursday, July 26, 2012
NATURAL REVERSION
I saw a guy running at lunch today. Big guy. In the Clydesdale category in any organized race, for sure. He was wearing big, thick heeled "running shoes". He ran up to a stoplight, serious heel-striking, sort of clomping along. The light was red, so he had to wait, and began running in place. He instantly went up on his forefoot/toes and ran in place really lightly for a moment, while waiting for the green light. When the light turned, he took off, and resumed his heel-slap-clomp gait until he was out of sight.
I was amazed at the unthinking transition. When running in place, YOU CAN'T heel strike! Just the mechanics make you go up onto your forefoot. It is/was so natural. The problem came when forward motion was in the mix. Those old "history-teacher-filling-in- as-a-high-school-track-coach" inspired habits came right back. Leg shoved out in front, knee locked up, heel pounded down, roll onto the toes, pushed off.
I'll bet that guy has some physical issues brewing if he does much running at all.
The point to be taken from all of this is: YOU HAVE NATURAL RUNNING ALREADY BUILT IN, PROGRAMMED INTO YOUR BODY/BRAIN. You just need to tap into it!
I was amazed at the unthinking transition. When running in place, YOU CAN'T heel strike! Just the mechanics make you go up onto your forefoot. It is/was so natural. The problem came when forward motion was in the mix. Those old "history-teacher-filling-in- as-a-high-school-track-coach" inspired habits came right back. Leg shoved out in front, knee locked up, heel pounded down, roll onto the toes, pushed off.
I'll bet that guy has some physical issues brewing if he does much running at all.
The point to be taken from all of this is: YOU HAVE NATURAL RUNNING ALREADY BUILT IN, PROGRAMMED INTO YOUR BODY/BRAIN. You just need to tap into it!
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
AN AHA!! MOMENT
Now first of all, this isn't for everyone. If you're a competitive runner, or a fast runner, or worried about your split times, this won't mean much to you. I went for my usual morning run, only about 3 miles today. As you may know from reading prior posts, I run exclusively in Invisible Shoe (Xero Shoes) huaraches, (6mm Contacts). I decided, kind of on a whim, to try to run a lot more slowly than normal. I practise "100 up" (see prior posts re Christopher MacDougall's video). Running slowly, you can practice the form, keeping a good mid-foot strike, cocking back the elbow.
I don't think I've ever TRULY ENJOYED a run more in my life! There was one goal. Finish the run maintaining good form. I forgot about times, speed, everything else. My two big German Shepherds trotted ahead, now and then patiently stopping to wait for their slowpoke running partner to catch up. I had so much fun with this, that I may never watch split times again. I'm at a stage in life (just turned 60!) where I'm reassessing what is important in such endeavors. If I run the next 5k in 21 minutes (pr) or in 35 minutes, there will be no difference in result. I still get the T-shirt, I won't be first, and I won't likely be last. I look forward to my next run now with greater anticipation than at any time in the past. Sometimes, frankly, it could get to be a chore. Not now. Can't wait. This slow run, strangely enough, really re-ignited my desire to run.
I recently heard about a study in Japan about the health benefits of slow running. I'll look into that more, but for now, I'm just out there enjoying the run! Hope someone gains something from this. I know I did.
I don't think I've ever TRULY ENJOYED a run more in my life! There was one goal. Finish the run maintaining good form. I forgot about times, speed, everything else. My two big German Shepherds trotted ahead, now and then patiently stopping to wait for their slowpoke running partner to catch up. I had so much fun with this, that I may never watch split times again. I'm at a stage in life (just turned 60!) where I'm reassessing what is important in such endeavors. If I run the next 5k in 21 minutes (pr) or in 35 minutes, there will be no difference in result. I still get the T-shirt, I won't be first, and I won't likely be last. I look forward to my next run now with greater anticipation than at any time in the past. Sometimes, frankly, it could get to be a chore. Not now. Can't wait. This slow run, strangely enough, really re-ignited my desire to run.
I recently heard about a study in Japan about the health benefits of slow running. I'll look into that more, but for now, I'm just out there enjoying the run! Hope someone gains something from this. I know I did.
Monday, July 23, 2012
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