My New Running Techsnique

So I've been listening to "Born to Run" on audiobook for the past couple of weeks because reading anything longer than a blog post is, frankly, for nerds. I'd wager almost all distance runners are familiar with this book because it made barefoot running more mainstream in 2009. Those Vibram Five Finger shoes couldn't stay on racks in the summer of '09 and they still seem to be in most gyms. Whether you've seen them or not, they gained a ton of popularity because of B2R. While it was fun to point and laugh at the fitness junkies wearing them, I've finally hit the breaking point. I have to get on the bandwagon. B2R had everything to do with this.

Book Summary: The 6'3" author (Christopher MacDougall) sucks at running but loves it. He's slow and gets all kinds of injured regardless of how he changes his gear and form. He sees some Native Mexicans (Tarahumara tribe) who are awesome runners and run in nothing but skirts and sandals and sometimes floofy shirts. The key? Barefoot running their entire lives. The logic? The foot, leg, and entire body evolved without shoes. Just run like a caveman and your muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones will adapt to the stresses you put on them by forcing you to step carefully and quietly. He argues that the more cushioned the shoe, the worse it is for your body. Check out the feet on the picture above. Shoes/orange shirt is going heel first (but is one of the greatest ultramarathoners of all time), sandals/floofy shirt (Tarahumara) is stepping toes first.

I've got some personal knowledge that backs this up. My best runs when preparing for the marathon were night runs when I had to step carefully, keep my center of gravity low, bend my knees more, and gently place each step. When I got to lighted areas, I felt energized and picked up the pace. Those steps in the dark were also the most quiet.

I learned to keep the sound down when I took a "stalking" class at a camp in 5th grade (before Craigslist was invented). The purpose was to learn to walk as quietly as possible so you could sneak up on woodland critters. We were taught to put our toes down first then softly transition to the heel. Zero sound, like sneaking. This same concept works when running to minimize fast-paced stomping. Less stomp, more full body cushion, more natural steps, less pain, more distance, more speed.

Finally, consider going down stairs quickly. You are putting even more pressure on the body as you land from step to step. Where do you land? On the balls of the feet. Boom.

Proper sneaking technique: The Techsnique

In conclusion, if a novice runner's story, a lesson from a 5th grade stalking class, and your experience with stairs doesn't have you convinced, you're obstinate and unreasonable. Change yourself.

I'm going to begin training for barefoot running by running as quietly as possible. I've only gone for one 1.5 miles run so far. Calves were sore for days. The good sore. I've heard it's best to take it slow and build up miles to begin with. When starting a new type of exercise, it is important to build the muscles AND joints. And seriously, I'm very interested in anyone's feedback who has tried the Vibrams for distance running. Any love or hate out there?

Keep Training,
LSF

PS: Couldn't you imagine Todd and Margo (aka Elaine Benes) from Christmas Vacation wearing Vibrams? I mean, where do I get these reflective couple's track suits and a liter of Evian these days? Also, neon green shelves. Every futuristic home in the past should have neon green shelves.