I've never ever seen someone go running barefoot. Unless you got some wide open fields to go running barefoot wild and free, sure. But doesnt seem realistic where I'm from (unless you meant indoor treadmill running, then sure) Don't shoes make sure your feet aren't damaged from long duration running? I thought running barefoot is bad for your foot structure
A few years ago a South American Native fellow of somewhat advanced years won a marathon race in Colorado wearing a pair of home - made leather flip - flops. This caught the interest of a writer who then interviewed the runner. The runner came from a native culture that had responded to the initial Spanish invasion of Mexico by moving South into a very hostile and challenging terrain. They set up their villages in deep gorge - like narrow valleys and stayed in touch with one another by running from one village to another, either barefoot or wearing home - made leather flip - flop type sandals. The ground that they run over is very treacherous and rough. The writer went to their province and studied them for a while. The writer came back to the US and wrote a book in which he speculates that - due to his observation that these natives were very fit and healthy - it was their barefoot running that was the secret key to their health. A case could be made that writers write books that they intend to sell and the type of books that sell can be directly observed off any search engine query. Health secrets of superbly healthy innocent natives living in a New World Eden is a great hook and there is a long - term rising tide of people getting involved in running, especially marathon running. He made a chunk of change with his book and a bunch of folks looking for health secrets began to promote barefoot running as the key to getting really fit. There is a difference between someone born (perhaps with a strong genetic advantage) into a simple rural culture with a strong tradition of semi - barefoot running long distances on dirt and rock as part of an extremely labor intensive lifestyle and someone with different genetics raised in an urban concrete environment. This is also influenced by the differences in diet and culture. As I noted above, I run 7 miles a day every day. Some of those miles are on concrete, some are on a surfaced flat trail. I have very wide feet and am stocky. Having had plantar faciitis already from using shoes with too hard a sole, knowing that my arches have not collapsed encourages me to take care of my feet. Running barefoot is medically incongruent with that goal. Yes, running barefoot can be more hazardous to your foot structure than wearing proper running shoes if you were not born and raised in a culture that did that routinely.
The best running tip I would give to anyone is: INTENSITY! That is the key to transforming the body via hormones. Hormones is the most powerful biological force in the universe, and hormones can help transform your body leaner quicker if you simply up the intensity of your workouts.
I've been a runner for a while, and probably the best advice that was given to me when I took it up was to start slow. Running like anything, you have to build a base. It takes time and ...patience. Anyone interested in running and has never really done so for any length of time...should consider looking into the couch to 5k programs out on the web. They are really great, and will get you to become an efficient runner, but safely. Relating to running shoes...my advice would be to go to a store specializing in running. Where the owners are runners themselves, if you can find a place like that. They will ask you to run/jog on a treadmill, and this will show them your running style. Evaluating you a bit, will help them suggest the best shoe. A little pricey, but worth it. I wear minimalist shoes, and LOVE THEM. But, they might not be for everybody. If you end up enjoying running...you may just start to view it as free therapy. Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image! hehe
A serious runners store will have a machine for you to step on that will show where you actually carry your weight on an LED screen. Based on that and observing how you walk the staff can recommend a shoe that will fit your specific needs. Minimalist shoes are very trendy right now, but they provide little cushioning. If you run often, far, or are comparatively heavy they will hurt your feet. Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image! They do leave nice footprints in the sand however....
I read above you run 7 to 10 miles daily; that's impressive. I used to run a lot more until I took up weight lifting. I incurred plantar fasciitis a few years back and it lasted for over a year. I couldn't believe it. My podiatrist felt it was due to overuse of the treadmill at that time. At that time, I lived up north and during the cold months I spent more time running indoors. I'm in Florida now and have no need for it. I remember his comment ..."our bodies are not meant to run on moving pavement." Anywho...very cool that you have developed a true passion for running. Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!
The only drawback to running on a treadmill is that does constitute a 'repetitive action' risk for such things as plantar faciitis. I only use the treadmill under dire circumstances as I must needs take my canine companion with me for her daily exercise and we are up for it regardless of the weather outdoors. A high - end treadmill will have built - in cushioning to avoid plantar problems. My Horizon has that cushioning, my wife and son use it a lot during the winter while my dog and I just deal with the ice and snow. I began running from my parents place in Rubidoux California to the Riverside city park about 5 miles away during the summer when I wished to go hang out with my high school friends. I was 15 years old. I am now 62 and still do the daily mileage, will not stop until/unless forced to by physical circumstances. I am profoundly healthier than my peers, due largely to this and a healthy diet.
Stoniphi - Good for you if your still doing it at that age. Like the saying goes, if you do not start doing exercise before 30 or so, you never will. I find running is great exercise, but having rubbish lungs living in a city diminishes me doing it, so i just use an exercise bike. But if your lungs are good, and you have strong legs, jogging is a great exercise.
Agreed. Possessing a basically robust body enables one to deal better with the hits we must take as part of life. I used to smoke, quit many years ago. Lungs are in very good shape now. Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image! My legs are much stronger now than they were when I was a kid too. They have actually improved in the last decade. I actually look more muscular now at 62 than I did when I was young. Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!
