Barefoot running, part two
My barefoot running story and blog entry garnered lots of attention yesterday. You guys had lots to say about this fledgling movement of runners who are out there jogging on the streets, sidewalks and grass without their Nikes. Many told tales of being inspired to try it after reading the best-selling book, "Born to Run." A well-thumbed chapter in there suggests that maybe all of those nagging running injuries could be caused by our fancy, well-cushioned shoes.
"I've been running barefoot regularly for three years and I feel great from head to toe," commented someone calling himself Happier Feet. "I couldn't say that when I ran in shoes - it was always one thing or another, from blisters to shin pains to aching arches."
Wrote someone named Peter: "It's a very free practice, mind-opening, mentally challenging more than physically, the calluses needed and generated are really minimal in my experience and I'm barefoot outdoors every day of the year, even in the snow (central Ohio)."
Picture of Health readers aren't the only ones who noticed. A producer for MSNBC's "Dr. Nancy" show read the story and contacted Dr. A. Ben Pearl, the Arlington podiatrist quoted in my story. Unless big news intercedes, he is scheduled to talk about barefoot running on the show today. Look for him between 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m.
Photo courtesy KRT
Comments
I have been running barefoot since October 2003. Since then, I have logged close to 15,000 miles barefoot (over 50 barefoot miles a week for several years), have ran 44 barefoot marathons, two barefoot ultramarathons of over 40 miles and have ran without missing a day in over 2 years. This includes very hot days and snowy days where the snow is several inches deep and down to 5 degrees F. Why do I do this? For me, it is a gift from God and I want to challenge others to think beyond their own limitations. I use barefoot running to help others through charities I run for through Soles For Souls, raising thousands annually. While barefoot running is fine for most folks in moderation, I am one of a few who have taken it to the extreme. As a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, I like to think that He can take something as "seemingly foolish" to some to shame the so-called wise (e.g. well-meaning podiatrists, shoe manufacturers, etc. ?). Out of my weakness and the absurdity to some, God can show that with Him all things are possible (Philippians 4:13). The profundity of barefoot running is in its simplicity. And, through its simplicity, one can find a little bit more about themselves if one has "ears to hear" and "soles" that listen.
Blessed Regards,
Barefoot Rick Roeber
Posted by: http://barefootrunner.org | September 23, 2009 8:26 PM
I enjoy reading about the benefits of barefoot running. We have even started a website and subsequent blog dedicated to the benefits of running barefoot and keeping with the natural biomechanics of the human body. We want to help all runners to run more efficiently and more enjoyably with less injury.
Posted by: Jeremy Runner | October 5, 2009 8:21 PM