So I mentioned yesterday that I’d started the post about Born to Run by Christopher McDougall.
I’ve had a complete mental block about writing my thoughts for this book. I’ve procrastinated nonstop. And to be honest even after all this time, I still haven’t finished the last chapter. (I started this book in early January!)
I have this book in audio version on my iPod. I’ve also borrowed the hard copy from the library. Twice.
The book obviously hit home with me on a few levels, as it convinced me to start barefoot running and I have been raving about this type of running to all who’ll listen. I now own my own Vibram FiveFingers, MSP just got a pair (they arrived last night) and my friend Scott also got a pair. One of my coworkers has been running in his socks now on his treadmill thanks to all my raving!
But something about the book as a WHOLE did not grab me. The chapters alternate between telling the story of the Tarahumara people (who are really fantastic runners) and the story of author’s own experience with trying to heal some running injuries and his journey to barefoot running. I found the flip-flopping between the two stories caused me to lose interest. I think I was looking for more of a “how to” and “why” for barefoot running, and less “play by play” commentating on the ultramarathons he attended.
I don’t feel I’d give a fair review if I tried simply because I’ve started and stopped so many times. So I’ll tell you what I liked about it.
Overall, I do think it’s worth reading if you have any interest in barefoot running OR interest in running for the JOY of it. I thoroughly enjoyed the ‘scientific’ chapters. The gist of it is that as humans we truly are built to RUN. Our bodies have evolved to make us good runners. And there’s a lot of discussion about how with all of today’s fancy shoe technology, we’ve basically weakened the supportive structure of our feet and lower legs.
My favorite part of the book comes in chapter 25 when the author is discussing said technological advances in fancy running shoes:
… the impact on your legs from running can be up to twelve times your body weight so it’s preposterous to believe a half inch of rubber is going to make a bit of difference… You can cover an egg with an oven mitt before rapping it with a hammer, but that egg ain’t coming out alive.
Of all the words in the book, THAT is what stuck with me! 
Not only did it make me laugh out loud, it really gave me something to think about. Changing my footstrike to lessen shock of impact for one. The fact that I don’t need $110 Nike SHOX. Also, that I don’t need to get new running shoes every 300-500 miles. I even dug out an OLD pair of worn trail shoes for the last long run we did, because I wanted LESS support so that I could run a bit more like I would if I was barefootin’ it.
Like the Tarahumara, run for the fun of it. Stop worrying about what your numbers are, how fast you’re running, etc. Basically slow down and smell the roses. (Don’t stop and smell the roses, because then you aren’t RUNNING anymore!)
My most enjoyable runs are those where I’m focused on chatting with my running pals and the scenery around me, and less on keeping a certain pace. Which is why training for a long event like a marathon is troublesome for me (but that’s a whole other post for sure!)
If you’d like to learn more about barefoot running, here are some links to articles and sites I’ve enjoyed.
Harvard University Footstrike Studies and Videos
Wired Article: To Run Better, Start by Ditching Your Nikes
WebMD Article on Barefoot Running
TrueSlant/Running Shorts Blog Article by Matt Frazier of No Meat Athlete (one of my fave blogs)
If you are currently a runner (or if you’re not and want to start), I’d like to challenge you to grab a pair of old socks that you don’t mind getting filthy and run on the treadmill. Notice how your gait changes in order to land softly. Then try to tell me you didn’t have a little grin on your face! I think it’s hard not to feel childlike when I’m running around without ‘real’ shoes on!
(Trust me when I say START SMALL! You WILL feel your calves so keep the mileage low at first!) Then come back here to FitFeat and tell us how it went! 
Have a fantastic day friends! Make it a FIT one!
– Shari B. =)
#1 by barb@fitandsixty on February 28, 2010 - 8:05 pm
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You are so nice to say that. I try very hard to keep myself in good shape. (sometimes it is challenging:-). I love your site. It is great!
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#2 by Bernadette on February 25, 2010 - 9:04 pm
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I don’t know, I’m pretty chicken when it comes to running barefoot. I don’t have a treadmill or I would try it on there but outside I’m scared. I got really bad shin splints that turned into stress fractures when I first started running and after changing shoes and using insoles I have finally gotten away from that. But I think my biggest fear is a tiny sharp rock to the heel…. eeek!
I also started the book Born to run but only made it about 1/3 of the way thru it and lost interest.
Have a great friday!!
xoxo
#3 by Shari B. on February 26, 2010 - 5:11 am
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Hi Berni, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” would be my motto in your case! You are able to run pain free right now which is what matters – so I wouldn’t mess with it. I’m on a mission because of how my knees feel after a long run – so my hope is that one day I can do my long runs barefoot style.
Glad to know I’m not the only one who had trouble getting through the book!
#4 by Christy on February 25, 2010 - 6:32 pm
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Great post! I am very interested in barefoot running. I suffer from plantar fasciitis. I wonder it running barefoot would help or hurt???
.-= Christy´s last blog ..Almost Friday! =-.
#5 by Shari B. on February 25, 2010 - 8:00 pm
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Hi Christy, I’ve read that it can actually HELP plantar fasciitis. If I were in your shoes (ha ha no pun intended!) I would do some research and make your own informed decision as to whether to give it a shot or not. If you were my client, I’d definitely say to go for it but begin VERY easily at first so that you have time to learn a new gait.
Here is a link about a guy who suffered from PF for 3 years and was able to fix it with barefoot running.
http://runningbarefoot.org/?p=3649
I have a client who suffers from PF as well and we spend a LOT of time stretching her calves and achilles tendons at EVERY session multiple times throughout the session no matter what we’re doing that day. She has said that her pain is very diminished when she keeps up on that stretching.
#6 by Cindy on February 25, 2010 - 5:00 pm
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I loved what you said about old shoes. Mine are WAY old and I still dont seem to have any funny wear on them. They are very comfy so ll just keep on using them.
Ans since you made it a challenge… SURE…ll go run in my socks on MAS…My very first half mile on it was totally barefoot…because Hubs had put it together for me and I was dying to try it…haha
I love being barefoot. Love your thoughts today. Thanks Shari
#7 by Carrie on February 25, 2010 - 2:18 pm
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Great review, Shari! I forgot to tell you that I liked what you had to say about digging out your old running shoes the other week because my current running shoes have HOLES (like…lots of them!) in them and in order to save $$, I haven’t bought new ones. My old shoes are comfortable and I don’t get blisters or any pain when I run in them, so, thanks to your information, I think I’ll keep them a bit longer!
I’d love to try running in my socks on the treadmill, but I think people at the gym would think I was nuts. Perhaps I’ll try that when I’m in Ohio this summer at my mom’s, as she has her own treadmill. I do have a friend, though, in CA, who said I could try out her Vibram FiveFingers, so I might do that.