Take Your Shoes OFF

Last night I had the opportunity to go to a Born to Run event at Penn States Great Valley's Campus. Christopher McDougall, author of Born to Run, spoke for an hour about his experience writing the book. I had a chance to meet and talk with Chris before his talk. I explained to him that I was a former competitive swimmer and new to running. I tolled him I was experiencing all types of running injuries from heel pain, shin splints, sore ankles and knees...he said "Wow, you have it all! Have you gone barefoot?" I said I hadn't experimented with barefoot running, but I had recently bought Nike Free shoes. He tolled me the best thing I can do for my running is "take your shoes OFF."

He's been running barefoot since writing this book and is completely cured of all running aliments. During his speech I sat next to Dr. Irene Davis, from the Running Injury Clinic, who tolled me she is now running 20 miles a week barefoot and said I have to give it a try. She explained it's important to start slow: "Run barefoot for a quarter of a mile and then put your shoes back on and run the rest of your distance. Every week, increase your barefoot distance and decrease your shoe distance."

Now that I am convinced running barefoot will help me rediscover my natural running form I went outside today and ran around the block barefoot. It felt a little silly, especially when a car drove by, or I passed by someone walking their dog, but it felt nice and easy.

After my trip around the block, I went inside and put my Nike Free shoes back on and ran a little. My foot strike was completely different and I continued to run mimicking my barefoot stride. Dr. Davis said to expect some soreness as you strengthen the muscles in your feet so it is crucial to go slow in the beginning.

Chris said for most of his runs he goes completely barefoot, but when it's colder outside during the winter he wears Vibram Five Fingers. I'm going to stick with my Nike Free's for now, but the Vibram shoes (well, more like gloves for your feet) are pretty neat.

This event was both reassuring and inspiring!