Going bare!
There’s a colleague called Garrett Turbett doing a biomechanics research project in London, UK. He already has some willing test subjects. The study will compare running gait between runners who always run in running shoes with those that regularly incorporate barefoot running into their routine. There will be a couple of different running trials in each session – getting runners to run in and out of shoes. This seems to be indicative of the interest that scientists are showing in this area.
I have given barefoot running a go for the last week or so. I have a read a fair bit about it and I figured that it was time to start seeing whether some of the things are true.
Well, firstly I’m pleased to report back that I did not injure myself. I survived even though I did not have a cushion of air and arch supports beneath me.
I’ve also noticed that other runners aren’t interested in what I’m doing. This surprised me because I expected questions and comments. I wonder if the power of advertising has many people convinced that they need shoes to run. I also wonder if people are scared. Scared of change. Scared of injury. Scared of being different.
There are parts of the world where running barefoot certainly isn’t being different. Some of the best runners come from these areas. However, once they are on the world stage they usually have a sponsorship deal and they will run in shoes.
Now, my three 5.6 km run this week are not enough evidence of anything. In fact my times were a little slower. But common sense suggests that it’s wrong to not allow the foot to do what it was designed to do! Nowadays many forms of exercise or therapy try and restore how the body was designed to function.
There is a twist! Something that I haven’t told you about ‘my’ barefoot running and how I’m doing it. There’s a small prize to the first person who can guess what it is… email me: stephan AT doctordumbbell DOT com or leave a comment here…
Doctor Dumbbell,
I think I know what you are doing and it’s not that complicated. I think that you are running on grass or sand. You don’t mention that and I feel it’s important to consider the surface as there can be a big difference. The whole thing is a interesting concept. I have always been told that running shoes help correct my foot placement. This very interesting.
I recently injured my foot while racing against my young nephew. I actually removed my shoes to do so. I regretted it severely for two days. I hope he uncovers interesting information, but I’ll stick to my shoes from now on.