Where We Live: Born to Run... Barefoot
Fact or Fad? A talk with author Christopher McDougall
Barefoot running seems to be the new athletic craze. So have you gone and purchased youur Vibram Five Fingers yet?
Or perhaps you are suspicious of the fad. Maybe you aren’t even a runner, let alone one with raw and calloused feet.
Today we’ll explore the painful and exhilarating world of running with author Christopher McDougall. He set off to find a tribe of the world’s greatest distance runners and learn their secrets, and in the process found out that everything we thought we knew about running is wrong. McDougall joined us from the studios at Fairfield University, to talk about his new book Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Super Athletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen.
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Ten years ago, doctors were telling me I was permanently flawed. My feet were such a mess and my body was so big and cumbersome, I could only risk running with stability shoes and custom-made orthotics. Now, I’m not just better — I’m perfect.
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Five Fingers
I have been running is some form or fashion my entire life. I have completed numerous races including marathons, trail marathons and an ultra marathon. I have worn all types of running shoes and still have about 15 pairs that I have and use. Recently (this past April) I bought a pair of 5 Fingers. At first they were a little tricky to put on but now have no issues.
For several weeks I walked everywhere with them on. They are the most comfortable shoe, or lack of, that I have ever worn. Soon after I got the nerve to take them for a run. I started with 3 miles and have recently run 12. You do get a lot of strange looks but that's all part of the fun of it.
Anyhow, now when I go for a run I where the 5 Fingers on road and off. Off road is a bit tougher. Rocks and roots can be tricky but very doable. This whole summer I have worn my other shoes just a hand full of times. My body, legs And feet feel so much better. It really is amazing but we probably shouldn't be.
Some people have asked about stability. Aren't you worried about twisting an ankle or roll your foot? The truth is the these things happen from wearing shoes. Especially shoes with a lot of cushion.
I'm not one for fads. I don't believe all that I hear or read. I have not even read "Born To Run", but Chris is correct in his findings.
I could go on and on but it all make perfect sense.
Just watch what the major shoe manufacturers do next.
great show
That show was fascinating. I finished the book a few weeks ago and have since picked up a pair of five-finger shoes myself ... At first I thought it was partially fictional based on the voice and some of the characters ... but then I realized it was real research. Outstanding. I'm finding that just walking the dog in the five fingers shoes is giving me better ankle strength already. My brother is an ultra marathoner who gave me the book as a gift and I'm starting to think I'm going to run again soon. Thanks for having Christopher on the show, John.
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