[Note: This is a reply to a post by Jason Robillard on his blog. You will probably want to read his post first, here. Please feel free to comment here, or on Jason's blog, or on the BRS website.]
Jason,
I’d like to respond back to your post, because I think I disagree with your approach, though I want to say up front that I respect you as a runner and an advocate for barefoot running.
What bothers me is that I think you are constructing what is called a ‘straw man’ argument, which means that your main ‘point’ is something no one would really disagree with: That we barefoot runners shouldn’t be assholes to people. I don’t think anyone on the BRS would disagree with that statement, nor do I think any barefoot runner would identify herself as “fanatical” or rude, or overly zealous. That is, nobody really thinks they’re being as rude as what these shod runners seem to have claimed to you.
What bothers me about proposing that we shouldn’t be assholes/fanatical/rude is that there’s an assumption that we are assholes/fanatical/rude, both by you, and by the shod runners you talked to in this race. I’m curious why/how you took these people at face value. That is, I’m genuinely curious about what they said about what they supposedly rude barefooters said to them. I only say this because it has been my experience, and others on this site, and you (like when you ran Burning River-you mention some guy in your write up about that being really rude to you) that shod runners can be really rude and/or at least inconsiderate, and that the number of rude shod runners vastly outnumbers barefoot runners period, much less whatever supposedly rude people exist in our tribe.
For example, in many races I’ve run, I’ve had people literally talk behind my back, thinking (maybe? but maybe conscious of it?) that I can’t hear them if they’re ten feet behind me. Or the guy who ran up next to me in a 10K and said, “Are you born to run?” And laughed. I don’t know, I just didn’t find that funny.
I could go on. In fact, one last example: People that start a ‘conversation’ with something like, “So I’ve heard about this barefoot fad...” Implying by the use of “fad” that they already kind of think it’s a silly idea. Perhaps that’s a teachable moment. Perhaps, in ideal conditions, I would be willing to engage with someone like that, but to top it off, their timing is not necessarily good: Many times I’m on the tail end of a marathon, or trying to run really fast in a 10K, when comments happen, when I really have better things to worry about.
I’m wondering if these runners you talked to in the race perhaps approached barefoot runners in a non-tactful manner and/or if they were a little distracted.
I actually do admit, when someone is a rude to me, it’s hard not to give a little ‘dig’ back. I would never be rude or ignore someone who came to me with genuine curiousity and politely initiated a conversation (assuming I wasn’t on Mile 40 or a 50 Miler or something). The worst I ever get is when I feel someone is being a little smartass-y and passes me saying, “How’s your feet?” My reply is something like, “Fine. How are yours?” Because I feel that it seems pretty obvious that my feet are ok, otherwise I’d stop running.
Now if someone wants to argue that saying “How’s your feet?” is actually friendly, well, it just never seems that way. Maybe I’m a little defensive, but it’s hard not to be when people say some fairly hurtful things about me. I can handle someone saying, “That dude’s crazy!” and take it as a sign of respect, but if someone says, “I don’t know why anyone would do that” instead of maybe asking me why I do it, well then, I’m feeling judged. I would just like to be treated with respect.
I also have an issue with the diagram you use to demonstrate how an idea is accepted by the “majority.” That is, it sounds interesting, and may be true, but I’m not sure it’s absolutely true. What the source for this “diffusion of technology” chart? Is it really accepted by experts in the field? Or is it something you came up with?
I’m actually even willing to believe it’s in part true, but I think there are a lot more factors than just how people talk about an idea, as to whether it becomes popular. Another big example I can think of is marketing by corporations. Remember that in Born to Run Christopher McDougall proves fairly conclusively that Nike manufactured a demand for ‘running’ shoes.
I return to the idea that I started on: that I feel you are implying that we barefoot runners are either the problem, or else somehow morally obligated to act in a certain way. I don’t think anyone is going out of their way to be rude to shod runners. I don’t see us barefoot runners as doing anything wrong. My experience has actually been that going barefoot kind of angers and confuses some people, and as a side note I think that has something to with people’s core beliefs being challenged: If running without shoes is in fact ok, and even fun and healthy, then who knows what other beliefs people have might be true? They may have to start actually questioning. The horror.
Nor do I really care about the early or late majority’s opinion. I run barefoot because it feels good to me. I do think barefoot running is good for people. I would recommend it. But I’m not shouting it from the rooftops. Nor am I telling people they’re idiots for using Nike shoes.
Nor to I feel I need to modify my behavior in order to keep barefoot running alive. The best way to show/teach someone something is by being a model. If someone wants to (in a friendly manner) talk to me, excellent, but I’m not an extroverted personality like I suspect you may be (Which is good. You’re a good ambassador!). I like running because it’s a solitary activity, and is really a form of meditation for me.
I’m sorry if this comes off as very strong. Something in your post really resonated with me, and made me think about how I think about barefoot running, and for that I thank you. I would welcome any thoughts you have on what I've written.
Again, you are an awesome runner (shod or bare) and you’ve done more to introduce the idea of barefoot running than maybe anybody. I hope to run into you at some races this summer.
John
www.johnyohe.com
www.johnsbarefootrunningblog.blogspot.com
Showing posts with label Jason Robillard. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jason Robillard. Show all posts
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Merrill Naked Foot 5K
We are not alone! I’m in Riverside Park in Grand Rapids, for the Merrill Naked Foot 5K and never have I seen so many people barefoot! It’s wonderful! Add to us barefooters all the minimalists wandering around and I’d say we’re in the majority of the crowd of folks here. There are some regular shod-heads here to run too, but for once, they are in the minority, and I’m not sure if it’s my imagination, or wishful thinking, but they seem to be feeling the ‘odd people out,’ looking around at all of us thinking, ‘Hm, maybe there is something this barefoot thing.
I would not have driven and hour and a half, and stayed in a $120/night Radisson Hotel, for just a regular 5K, but for this I felt obligated to come. And, not just obligated: I wanted to help celebrate barefoot running, and the fact that there are now enough barefooters and minimalists to actually do and even like this. I think having this be ‘just’ a 5K is a good call, since we can have runners from all levels, and no one feels too intimidated.
There are a few booths set up in a vague circle on the grass. The registration booth of course, but then the sponsors, and some massage therapists, just giving away massages. The primary sponsor, of the race, and the series of Naked Foot runs (six in all at various places around the country, is Merrill, a new company to the minimalist scene. Although, at this stage, what company isn’t new? What I like about them is that they seem totally on board with the concept that actual barefoot running is best, but that there are times when a little covering for the feet is good. I don’t have a pair yet, but plan on getting some this fall, for when the harsh Michigan winter starts. What I didn’t know is that Merrill is a local company, so kudos to them!
The gods are here: Jason Robillard, back for a little bit from he and his family’s new gypsy life. I’m hoping he’ll run, but it looks like he’s involved in the organization of the event. Also, Barefoot Ken Bob, originally from Michigan, is here, hawking his new book, Barefoot Running Step By Step. I go over to say hello and thank him again for being so influential in my shift to barefoot running three years ago. the book is fifteen bucks, so I can’t resist and buy a copy. As a bonus, Ken autographs is, with a bonus inky foot stamp. Score!
What’s really nice is to bump into people I know, either from other races, and/or online at the barefootrunners.org website. [Forgive me guys if I’m getting names wrong!]. Here’s Brandon, who ran Burning River in RunAmocs this last summer, and finished, unlike yours truly. His teeth are wired shut, and will be for a while. Apparently, a plate in his jaw broke during the BR! And yesterday he ran the North Country 50 Miler, which he said was harder than the BR, because he couldn’t eat anything, having to go with just fluids. And having the jaw wires rubbing his lips raw. But, he promised to run this with a friend, so is here representing.
Also Ken, from Sterling Heights, who ran the Detroit Half-Marathon last year. Although we never actually saw each other there, we’ve communicated a little online, and both of us plan to do the Detroit Marathon barefoot, at around the same time, so maybe we’ll even get to run together and freak everyone out.
I also get to meet Johnny, from East Lansing, who has brought his whole family, and in fact his son will be running in the kids’ 1K. Meeting all these folks makes me realize how much I’m not reading on the barefootrunners.org site, since I learn that Johnny has an active blog going.
And then there’s El Presidente of the Michigan Chapter, Troy/Smelph, from Kalamazoo, also with kids in tow, or should I say in front, in a double stroller, both konked out, since they got up early this morning to be here. Troy and I ran the Kalamazoo Marathon this Spring, though again, we didn’t actually run into each other, though we’ve communicated online. He’s the one that shares all the secret places on the website that I haven’t explored yet.
First up is the kids’ 1K. there are about 20 who take part, which is awesome. I just never had that kind of exposure to stuff like this when I was that young, though I guess I’m so old that these kinds of events didn’t exist back then. Anyway, Jason R. is the ‘rabbit’ leading them around the course, all on grass, and it’s amazing to see the kids go, just all-out, smiling the whole way.
Next up is the Naked Mile, which actually only has about 10-12 folks. Everyone else is saving themselves for the 5K. It’d actually be nice to run this just as a warm-up. Jason actually runs this one, coming in second I believe. The best, most kick-ass, part is the woman who’s a little overweight, who yes, comes in last, but dammit, she finished. It was obviously a goal for her, and she pushed it at the end. Good for her.
Then the main event! I’ve never run a 5K before, and don’t really know what my strategy is, or should be, besides the fact that I guess I should just go all out sprint, or as close to that as possible, for the whole way, since there ain’t gonna be much time. And yet, I’m not a big sprinter. I’m still not sure if barefooting is even conducive to sprinting. The good news is that most of the course seems to be on grass instead of the bike paths. Or...I think that’s good news. I’ve never run that long on grass either! A bunch of new stuff to try today!
I line up towards the beginning. I’m actually not sure if that’s where I should be, since there seems to be a bunch of youths (pronounced ‘yoots’) here, fresh from cross-country running teams. So, I’m not gonna win. This is all about just pushing myself, maybe getting some practice at speed runs (after my sloooow half-marathon last week) and to have fun! To actually run with other barefooters!
We count down, three, two, one, and we’re off! And yep, this is going to be a sprint. Wow, I’m not sure if I can keep this up, I’m already out of breath! Feeling primal though, through the grass, over some roots, and across some branches. How strange to be in grass. What I find happening is that I’m going into shod-mode, with a wider stride, kicking out the legs, because, well, I can. With grass, I can go back to a harder foot strike and have super cushion. Looking around, that seems to be what other barefooters are doing.
We zip out on to a bike path and my stride immediately changes, back to lifting the feet, though lifting them as fast as I can. I still feel like I’m maybe striking a little hard. Probably not a good thing, but for a short race, doable. Interestingly, a fast cadence seems to make leaning forward a little harder. I wonder if I just leaned forward more if I wouldn’t have to have such a high cadence. Not sure. No time to think! Just run!
The route goes between grass and bike path. We cross a wood bridge. Everyone around me seems to have fallen into a regular pace, just under a sprint. Not a lot of jockying for position. Again, I’m just happy to be seeing barefooters ahead of me, and minimalists. Lots of VFFs, and Merrills. I gotta admit, also nice to see barefooters ahead of shod-heads. We’ve got to be making some converts today. There’s no way that the people wearing regular running shoes can say that barefoot running isn’t doable, or isn’t even competitive.
We get to the mid-way point, where we’ll take a long turn around back to the north (I think?). There’s a water station, but no one up front here is going to slow down for any. there’s a sizeable crowd watching here, which I think consists of people who just happen to be in the park. Everyone is smiling, and I think (though again I could be imagining) looking a little amazed at the lack of footwear.
I’m slowing down a little, just unsure of what a proper pace should be. But, other people are slowing down too, though others are staying strong. We’re back on grass, and it’s looking like grass the rest of the way, which is fine, and which again makes me go into longer-stride-mode. As we work are way back, I can see the finish line flags and think, Hm, that was quicker than I thought. But no, we run past the start area, around some baseball fields. There’s a 1 Mile sign, but I’m still a dumb American and can’t figure out how many miles are in 5K. And then there’s a second 1 Mile sign, so who knows? But, do I pace myself? Or should I be stepping things up for a strong finish?
But yep, there are the finish flags again, and we’re actually running to them, so that’s it, that’s my sign to kick out the jams and leave it all out on the course. I start swinging my arms, sprinting as we come around the curve. The guy in front of me hears me coming and that kicks him into overdrive, both of us heading to the woman in the kilt that’s been ahead of us the whole time and the three of us cross at around the same time.
Whew! I shake the guys’ hand and we give each other ‘good jobs.’ Um, maybe I should reword that....Anyways, there’s a steady stream o’ runners coming in behind us, with other little mini-races to the finish line, everyone trying to finish hard. My time: 21:35. Ok, I’ll take that.
I watch the variety of people coming in. Again, barefooters and lots o’ minimalists. One girl comes in, and when I say girl I mean girl: She’s like 9, and I’m right next to her parents, who glowingly say that she PRed, ten seconds faster than her last 5K. So, wow. Amazing.
The most amazing run of the day has to go to Troy. He ran pushing his two children in the stroller, which has got to be a hundred pounds! And over grass! And he’s not even last!
Popsicles for everyone! And then there’s awards for the winners, and a raffle. The overall winner happens to be right next to me. And he ran it barefoot! His first time ever running barefoot! And he actually cut one of his feet somewhere along the line! His time was 19 minutes and some change. I ask him if he’s converted, and he kind of smiles. He’s a young guy, one of those cross country monsters, and he says maybe, that he might buy some Merrills. And, then he wins a Merrill gift certificate in the raffle. I think it’s destiny.
There are supposed to be some more events after the race, like a ‘bare ball’ contest, though no one I ask seems to know what it entails, and no one seems to be signing up for it. Jason gives a short seminar, though I miss most of it, since I want to take advantage of the free massage!
But, we gather as many of the Michigan Chapter barefootrunners.org members as we can for a group photo. Brandon has already left, but we get Eric, Johnny, Troy, me, and Jason. I asked Ken Bob, but there was a mix up and he didn’t make the first photo op, but he joins us for a second one, though by then Jason is busy with organization details. And, I’m sure there were others that we missed. Alas! Would have been a nice recruiting place, maybe to have a BRS table or something. Again, alas.
But, fun! Feels so good knowing I’m not alone. We discuss maybe doing another MI meetup, maybe in Lansing, which seem to be the most convenient. And, I’ll be seeing folks at upcoming races. I encourage anybody going to a race to check the BRS website about meeting people, it’s really a good boost to meet other barefooters. One of the Merrill organizers mentioned that this may have been the biggest gathering of runners out of the six races they organized. I was amazed to hear (from Troy) that Michigan has one of the bigger BRS memberships. Anyways, sorry SayPay, but I think we beat you and the Minnesota folks!
http://johnsbarefootrunningblog.blogspot.com/
www.johnyohe.com
I would not have driven and hour and a half, and stayed in a $120/night Radisson Hotel, for just a regular 5K, but for this I felt obligated to come. And, not just obligated: I wanted to help celebrate barefoot running, and the fact that there are now enough barefooters and minimalists to actually do and even like this. I think having this be ‘just’ a 5K is a good call, since we can have runners from all levels, and no one feels too intimidated.
There are a few booths set up in a vague circle on the grass. The registration booth of course, but then the sponsors, and some massage therapists, just giving away massages. The primary sponsor, of the race, and the series of Naked Foot runs (six in all at various places around the country, is Merrill, a new company to the minimalist scene. Although, at this stage, what company isn’t new? What I like about them is that they seem totally on board with the concept that actual barefoot running is best, but that there are times when a little covering for the feet is good. I don’t have a pair yet, but plan on getting some this fall, for when the harsh Michigan winter starts. What I didn’t know is that Merrill is a local company, so kudos to them!
The gods are here: Jason Robillard, back for a little bit from he and his family’s new gypsy life. I’m hoping he’ll run, but it looks like he’s involved in the organization of the event. Also, Barefoot Ken Bob, originally from Michigan, is here, hawking his new book, Barefoot Running Step By Step. I go over to say hello and thank him again for being so influential in my shift to barefoot running three years ago. the book is fifteen bucks, so I can’t resist and buy a copy. As a bonus, Ken autographs is, with a bonus inky foot stamp. Score!
What’s really nice is to bump into people I know, either from other races, and/or online at the barefootrunners.org website. [Forgive me guys if I’m getting names wrong!]. Here’s Brandon, who ran Burning River in RunAmocs this last summer, and finished, unlike yours truly. His teeth are wired shut, and will be for a while. Apparently, a plate in his jaw broke during the BR! And yesterday he ran the North Country 50 Miler, which he said was harder than the BR, because he couldn’t eat anything, having to go with just fluids. And having the jaw wires rubbing his lips raw. But, he promised to run this with a friend, so is here representing.
Also Ken, from Sterling Heights, who ran the Detroit Half-Marathon last year. Although we never actually saw each other there, we’ve communicated a little online, and both of us plan to do the Detroit Marathon barefoot, at around the same time, so maybe we’ll even get to run together and freak everyone out.
I also get to meet Johnny, from East Lansing, who has brought his whole family, and in fact his son will be running in the kids’ 1K. Meeting all these folks makes me realize how much I’m not reading on the barefootrunners.org site, since I learn that Johnny has an active blog going.
And then there’s El Presidente of the Michigan Chapter, Troy/Smelph, from Kalamazoo, also with kids in tow, or should I say in front, in a double stroller, both konked out, since they got up early this morning to be here. Troy and I ran the Kalamazoo Marathon this Spring, though again, we didn’t actually run into each other, though we’ve communicated online. He’s the one that shares all the secret places on the website that I haven’t explored yet.
First up is the kids’ 1K. there are about 20 who take part, which is awesome. I just never had that kind of exposure to stuff like this when I was that young, though I guess I’m so old that these kinds of events didn’t exist back then. Anyway, Jason R. is the ‘rabbit’ leading them around the course, all on grass, and it’s amazing to see the kids go, just all-out, smiling the whole way.
Next up is the Naked Mile, which actually only has about 10-12 folks. Everyone else is saving themselves for the 5K. It’d actually be nice to run this just as a warm-up. Jason actually runs this one, coming in second I believe. The best, most kick-ass, part is the woman who’s a little overweight, who yes, comes in last, but dammit, she finished. It was obviously a goal for her, and she pushed it at the end. Good for her.
Then the main event! I’ve never run a 5K before, and don’t really know what my strategy is, or should be, besides the fact that I guess I should just go all out sprint, or as close to that as possible, for the whole way, since there ain’t gonna be much time. And yet, I’m not a big sprinter. I’m still not sure if barefooting is even conducive to sprinting. The good news is that most of the course seems to be on grass instead of the bike paths. Or...I think that’s good news. I’ve never run that long on grass either! A bunch of new stuff to try today!
I line up towards the beginning. I’m actually not sure if that’s where I should be, since there seems to be a bunch of youths (pronounced ‘yoots’) here, fresh from cross-country running teams. So, I’m not gonna win. This is all about just pushing myself, maybe getting some practice at speed runs (after my sloooow half-marathon last week) and to have fun! To actually run with other barefooters!
We count down, three, two, one, and we’re off! And yep, this is going to be a sprint. Wow, I’m not sure if I can keep this up, I’m already out of breath! Feeling primal though, through the grass, over some roots, and across some branches. How strange to be in grass. What I find happening is that I’m going into shod-mode, with a wider stride, kicking out the legs, because, well, I can. With grass, I can go back to a harder foot strike and have super cushion. Looking around, that seems to be what other barefooters are doing.
We zip out on to a bike path and my stride immediately changes, back to lifting the feet, though lifting them as fast as I can. I still feel like I’m maybe striking a little hard. Probably not a good thing, but for a short race, doable. Interestingly, a fast cadence seems to make leaning forward a little harder. I wonder if I just leaned forward more if I wouldn’t have to have such a high cadence. Not sure. No time to think! Just run!
The route goes between grass and bike path. We cross a wood bridge. Everyone around me seems to have fallen into a regular pace, just under a sprint. Not a lot of jockying for position. Again, I’m just happy to be seeing barefooters ahead of me, and minimalists. Lots of VFFs, and Merrills. I gotta admit, also nice to see barefooters ahead of shod-heads. We’ve got to be making some converts today. There’s no way that the people wearing regular running shoes can say that barefoot running isn’t doable, or isn’t even competitive.
We get to the mid-way point, where we’ll take a long turn around back to the north (I think?). There’s a water station, but no one up front here is going to slow down for any. there’s a sizeable crowd watching here, which I think consists of people who just happen to be in the park. Everyone is smiling, and I think (though again I could be imagining) looking a little amazed at the lack of footwear.
I’m slowing down a little, just unsure of what a proper pace should be. But, other people are slowing down too, though others are staying strong. We’re back on grass, and it’s looking like grass the rest of the way, which is fine, and which again makes me go into longer-stride-mode. As we work are way back, I can see the finish line flags and think, Hm, that was quicker than I thought. But no, we run past the start area, around some baseball fields. There’s a 1 Mile sign, but I’m still a dumb American and can’t figure out how many miles are in 5K. And then there’s a second 1 Mile sign, so who knows? But, do I pace myself? Or should I be stepping things up for a strong finish?
But yep, there are the finish flags again, and we’re actually running to them, so that’s it, that’s my sign to kick out the jams and leave it all out on the course. I start swinging my arms, sprinting as we come around the curve. The guy in front of me hears me coming and that kicks him into overdrive, both of us heading to the woman in the kilt that’s been ahead of us the whole time and the three of us cross at around the same time.
Whew! I shake the guys’ hand and we give each other ‘good jobs.’ Um, maybe I should reword that....Anyways, there’s a steady stream o’ runners coming in behind us, with other little mini-races to the finish line, everyone trying to finish hard. My time: 21:35. Ok, I’ll take that.
I watch the variety of people coming in. Again, barefooters and lots o’ minimalists. One girl comes in, and when I say girl I mean girl: She’s like 9, and I’m right next to her parents, who glowingly say that she PRed, ten seconds faster than her last 5K. So, wow. Amazing.
The most amazing run of the day has to go to Troy. He ran pushing his two children in the stroller, which has got to be a hundred pounds! And over grass! And he’s not even last!
Popsicles for everyone! And then there’s awards for the winners, and a raffle. The overall winner happens to be right next to me. And he ran it barefoot! His first time ever running barefoot! And he actually cut one of his feet somewhere along the line! His time was 19 minutes and some change. I ask him if he’s converted, and he kind of smiles. He’s a young guy, one of those cross country monsters, and he says maybe, that he might buy some Merrills. And, then he wins a Merrill gift certificate in the raffle. I think it’s destiny.
There are supposed to be some more events after the race, like a ‘bare ball’ contest, though no one I ask seems to know what it entails, and no one seems to be signing up for it. Jason gives a short seminar, though I miss most of it, since I want to take advantage of the free massage!
But, we gather as many of the Michigan Chapter barefootrunners.org members as we can for a group photo. Brandon has already left, but we get Eric, Johnny, Troy, me, and Jason. I asked Ken Bob, but there was a mix up and he didn’t make the first photo op, but he joins us for a second one, though by then Jason is busy with organization details. And, I’m sure there were others that we missed. Alas! Would have been a nice recruiting place, maybe to have a BRS table or something. Again, alas.
But, fun! Feels so good knowing I’m not alone. We discuss maybe doing another MI meetup, maybe in Lansing, which seem to be the most convenient. And, I’ll be seeing folks at upcoming races. I encourage anybody going to a race to check the BRS website about meeting people, it’s really a good boost to meet other barefooters. One of the Merrill organizers mentioned that this may have been the biggest gathering of runners out of the six races they organized. I was amazed to hear (from Troy) that Michigan has one of the bigger BRS memberships. Anyways, sorry SayPay, but I think we beat you and the Minnesota folks!
http://johnsbarefootrunningblog.blogspot.com/
www.johnyohe.com
Monday, August 15, 2011
Jason's Barefoot Running Book
Hey all. A quick post with a link to Jason Robillard's website, where you can download a pdf copy of his barefoot running book, for free! He's encouraging everyone to give it out to anyone interested, so I figure some followers on here might be interested. Here's the link.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
The 'Falling Forward' Technique
Today I ran four hours on the Falling Waters Trail starting in Jackson and going out to Concord and back. A little over ten miles one way, so about twenty-one miles. I didn't mean to go quite so far, since I've signed up for a 50K in two weeks, I thought I'd just go out for three hours. But, the weather was great, a cool day with the sun out, the trees just starting to turn, running by lakes and through forest. At my pre-determined time turn around time, I just thought, 'Aw, what's another half-hour out to Concord?' I was feeling good, in part maybe from having a decent night's sleep, and a breakfast of chia seeds with peach slices and some almonds.
I think though, that I was feeling good because of how fast I was going. Even though I've been running barefoot for over a year now, I'm still experimenting, and my main experiment this summer has been the 'falling forward' technique that Barefoot Ken Bob explained at his seminar in Okemos (see previous post). Jason Robillard also talks about this in his Barefoot Runners Handbook (see another previous post for a review, though he now has a new expanded edition).
I'll back up by giving a brief explanation of the barefoot running stride, at least as I understand it. I am by no means the originator of the idea. Ken Bob and Jason talk about this, and it can be considered common knowledge in the barefoot running scene. Instead of 'pushing off' with the feet, like shod runners do, I've been working on the technique of 'lifting' my foot. It may seem like a matter of semantics, but the effect really does make a difference, and makes for a much softer landing (I can't even call it a foot 'strike' like shod runners use, since my feet land fairly softly). The pace should be fairly quick, and I start off, as recommended by Ken Bob, by just standing in place and lift my feet to a 180/190 pace (about the beat of a fast paced pop song). By concentrating on lifting each foot, the other foot just naturally comes down softly.
Another key point: Keeping my knees bent. After seeing Ken Bob and how low he goes, I try and do something similar. This doesn't initially feel 'natural' but feels more and more so, the more I do it.
After that, the idea is to keep that pace, and just lean your body forward. The feet naturally just move in a forward motion to keep the body upright. They actually make almost a little circle: Once the foot lands, the body is moving, so when the foot is raised, it automatically pulls forward a little as it comes up. With enough lean, and maintaining a good fast lifting pace, the body scoots fairly quickly forward. Seeing Barefoot Ken Bob demonstrate this was amazing. His upper body and torso don't appear to be doing any work at all.
Nevertheless, I've found that, left to myself, when I zone out on a run, I tend to run fairly slowly. When I do do the 'falling forward lean' I've felt that my feet were 'hitting' harder, and that this was hurting my feet. But, as I've been experimenting, I've come to think that it's been more of a question of technique. When I really relax my whole body (easier said than done!) I seem to run fairly quickly. I think the relaxing part is key. If I'm running stiff, with my body tensed, I think THAT actually causes me to 'strike' with my feet rather than lift. As I've been experimenting, I've been able to fall into my groove, when my body feels relaxed, my feet are moving fairly quickly, to the point where I can feel my heart rate go up, which makes me think that leaning forward increases my pace.
Giving a lean still feels a bit unnatural, and I've found that for trail running I run a little slower, in upright position, because I just don't like running that fast over trails with lots of pokey things. But on pavement and cement, when everything is clear, I can go pretty quick. But I do have to concentrate on leaning forward, and it's surprising how much just leaning forward an inch (or so it feels) can change my pace.
As my mind wanders and I go into my zone, my natural inclination is to lean back, torso straight, and this does feel good, and gives me a slow mellow run. So, the longer the run, the harder it is to stay concentrating on leaning forward. But I think I'm getting better. My evidence: Last time I ran out to Concord and back, it took me 4.5 hours. This time, while really working on the falling-forward technique, I did it in four hours on the dot. There are other factors, surely, but I really feel I upped my speed considerably, without feeling that much more exhausted. Since the feet are, ideally, lifting up at the same rate, torso straight or leaning forward, I should be technically expending the same amount of energy. But like I said, if my heart rate goes up when 'falling forward,' that sounds like I am actually running at a faster pace.
It's seems odd that I have such a hard time relaxing while running, and having to concentrate on relaxing seems almost like a type of oxymoron, but my hope is that, as I continue to practice, my relaxed, leaning forward zone, will come easier.
Just another reminder that, at least running barefoot, every run is still an experiment, still a new experience. That's why I like it!
Coming soon: My Woodstock 50K experience!
I think though, that I was feeling good because of how fast I was going. Even though I've been running barefoot for over a year now, I'm still experimenting, and my main experiment this summer has been the 'falling forward' technique that Barefoot Ken Bob explained at his seminar in Okemos (see previous post). Jason Robillard also talks about this in his Barefoot Runners Handbook (see another previous post for a review, though he now has a new expanded edition).
I'll back up by giving a brief explanation of the barefoot running stride, at least as I understand it. I am by no means the originator of the idea. Ken Bob and Jason talk about this, and it can be considered common knowledge in the barefoot running scene. Instead of 'pushing off' with the feet, like shod runners do, I've been working on the technique of 'lifting' my foot. It may seem like a matter of semantics, but the effect really does make a difference, and makes for a much softer landing (I can't even call it a foot 'strike' like shod runners use, since my feet land fairly softly). The pace should be fairly quick, and I start off, as recommended by Ken Bob, by just standing in place and lift my feet to a 180/190 pace (about the beat of a fast paced pop song). By concentrating on lifting each foot, the other foot just naturally comes down softly.
Another key point: Keeping my knees bent. After seeing Ken Bob and how low he goes, I try and do something similar. This doesn't initially feel 'natural' but feels more and more so, the more I do it.
After that, the idea is to keep that pace, and just lean your body forward. The feet naturally just move in a forward motion to keep the body upright. They actually make almost a little circle: Once the foot lands, the body is moving, so when the foot is raised, it automatically pulls forward a little as it comes up. With enough lean, and maintaining a good fast lifting pace, the body scoots fairly quickly forward. Seeing Barefoot Ken Bob demonstrate this was amazing. His upper body and torso don't appear to be doing any work at all.
Nevertheless, I've found that, left to myself, when I zone out on a run, I tend to run fairly slowly. When I do do the 'falling forward lean' I've felt that my feet were 'hitting' harder, and that this was hurting my feet. But, as I've been experimenting, I've come to think that it's been more of a question of technique. When I really relax my whole body (easier said than done!) I seem to run fairly quickly. I think the relaxing part is key. If I'm running stiff, with my body tensed, I think THAT actually causes me to 'strike' with my feet rather than lift. As I've been experimenting, I've been able to fall into my groove, when my body feels relaxed, my feet are moving fairly quickly, to the point where I can feel my heart rate go up, which makes me think that leaning forward increases my pace.
Giving a lean still feels a bit unnatural, and I've found that for trail running I run a little slower, in upright position, because I just don't like running that fast over trails with lots of pokey things. But on pavement and cement, when everything is clear, I can go pretty quick. But I do have to concentrate on leaning forward, and it's surprising how much just leaning forward an inch (or so it feels) can change my pace.
As my mind wanders and I go into my zone, my natural inclination is to lean back, torso straight, and this does feel good, and gives me a slow mellow run. So, the longer the run, the harder it is to stay concentrating on leaning forward. But I think I'm getting better. My evidence: Last time I ran out to Concord and back, it took me 4.5 hours. This time, while really working on the falling-forward technique, I did it in four hours on the dot. There are other factors, surely, but I really feel I upped my speed considerably, without feeling that much more exhausted. Since the feet are, ideally, lifting up at the same rate, torso straight or leaning forward, I should be technically expending the same amount of energy. But like I said, if my heart rate goes up when 'falling forward,' that sounds like I am actually running at a faster pace.
It's seems odd that I have such a hard time relaxing while running, and having to concentrate on relaxing seems almost like a type of oxymoron, but my hope is that, as I continue to practice, my relaxed, leaning forward zone, will come easier.
Just another reminder that, at least running barefoot, every run is still an experiment, still a new experience. That's why I like it!
Coming soon: My Woodstock 50K experience!
Friday, June 18, 2010
The Barefoot Running Book: A Review
The Barefoot Running Book: a practical guide to the art & science of barefoot & minimalist shoe running
by Jason Robillard
61 pages
$15.00
ISBN 978-0-615-35444
When I started reading Jason Robillard's The Barefoot Running Book, I wished I could have had it last year when I started running barefoot. It's not that I couldn't, and didn't, find most of the information contained in the book elsewhere, but it was all haphazard, primarily through discussions on Barefoot Ken Bob's Yahoo! Barefoot Running Forum. This book puts all that information together, in an orderly manner, and with some humor!
The Barefoot Running Book walks a potential beginner through the basics, including, in the opening essay, why to run barefoot, but also the basic terminology, and philosophy, of barefoot running. In addition, and breaking with barefoot running purists, he includes some recommendations about minimalist shoe running, and shoes. Someone like me, who tends to be a little stubborn and more willing to jump right into things, might skip his “Pre-running” section. All I needed to know was that barefoot running was possible, then I just started going out and trying it, with initial success, but I have had my TMFS (too much too soon) injury troubles. Curious folks might appreciate Robillard's more careful advice, to build confidence and foot strength.
Robillard makes sure to emphasize experimentation, and the principle that “there is no single right answer” to barefoot running, and he does include advice from different perspectives. For example, in discussing proper running posture, he describes both the “Fall Forward” and “Keep Feet Under Body” methods. Since I've recently been working through a minor pain in my left heel, this section in particular made me re-think my own posture. I've been in the latter camp, but now I've been experimenting with the former. So, even after a year of running barefoot, I find things in this book that keep me experimenting.
Two quibbles: One, the $15 price, which seems a bit much for a 60 page handbook. Two, there is no real discussion of the difference between barefoot running and minimalist shoe running. Robillard recommends going primarily barefoot, but suggests minimalist shoes for extreme temperatures. Maybe I'm betraying my purist leanings, but there really does seem to be a difference between running barefoot and running in minimalist shoes. My Vibram Five Fingers served me well when I first started, but as I grew more used to running barefoot, I started noticing that my feet tended to hurt when I used them, so I just stopped wearing them altogether. My VFFs, and moccasins, felt almost too protective, causing me to strike harder with my feet, though his may just be a personal idiosyncrasy. I would like to see more 'science' about the differences between barefoot and minimalist running styles, which is perhaps too far out of Robillard's range of expertise. Still, he does discuss the VFFs in more detail on his blog. In the next edition of the book, maybe he could include a separate section or chapter on minimalist running.
A nice personal touch in the book is Robillard's encouragement of barefoot runners to be “ambassadors” out in the shod running world, arguing that, if we barefoot runners agree that running barefoot is good for us, we're helping other people by encouraging their curiosity. In his “Other topics” section he gives some humorous examples of people's responses to seeing someone running barefoot, many of which I've heard myself, but he urges that we barefoot runners always be polite and, if possible, funny, in talking with people, with the hope that they'll 'take the plunge' and try barefoot running themselves.
For someone who is curious about barefoot running, I would recommend this book as a handy guide to start with, saving much time navigating online discussion groups. As an intermediate to advanced barefoot runner (I've run two half-marathons and two full marathons in the past year), with nagging minor injury, I found the book a good review, and source of reflection. For all levels of barefoot runners, going with Robillard's 'ambassador' idea, this book would make a great gift to someone you know who's expressed interest in the lifestyle. Might be nice to have a copy handy nearby so that when (and not if) someone asks about barefoot running, you can immediately hand it to them and say, “Here, read this!”
Order this book through Amazon.com here.
For more info on Jason Robillard, visit:
his website, The Barefoot Running University
his blog, The Barefoot Chronicles
Also, you might run into Jason, and me, at the Runner's World Barefoot Running Forum
by Jason Robillard
61 pages
$15.00
ISBN 978-0-615-35444
When I started reading Jason Robillard's The Barefoot Running Book, I wished I could have had it last year when I started running barefoot. It's not that I couldn't, and didn't, find most of the information contained in the book elsewhere, but it was all haphazard, primarily through discussions on Barefoot Ken Bob's Yahoo! Barefoot Running Forum. This book puts all that information together, in an orderly manner, and with some humor!
The Barefoot Running Book walks a potential beginner through the basics, including, in the opening essay, why to run barefoot, but also the basic terminology, and philosophy, of barefoot running. In addition, and breaking with barefoot running purists, he includes some recommendations about minimalist shoe running, and shoes. Someone like me, who tends to be a little stubborn and more willing to jump right into things, might skip his “Pre-running” section. All I needed to know was that barefoot running was possible, then I just started going out and trying it, with initial success, but I have had my TMFS (too much too soon) injury troubles. Curious folks might appreciate Robillard's more careful advice, to build confidence and foot strength.
Robillard makes sure to emphasize experimentation, and the principle that “there is no single right answer” to barefoot running, and he does include advice from different perspectives. For example, in discussing proper running posture, he describes both the “Fall Forward” and “Keep Feet Under Body” methods. Since I've recently been working through a minor pain in my left heel, this section in particular made me re-think my own posture. I've been in the latter camp, but now I've been experimenting with the former. So, even after a year of running barefoot, I find things in this book that keep me experimenting.
Two quibbles: One, the $15 price, which seems a bit much for a 60 page handbook. Two, there is no real discussion of the difference between barefoot running and minimalist shoe running. Robillard recommends going primarily barefoot, but suggests minimalist shoes for extreme temperatures. Maybe I'm betraying my purist leanings, but there really does seem to be a difference between running barefoot and running in minimalist shoes. My Vibram Five Fingers served me well when I first started, but as I grew more used to running barefoot, I started noticing that my feet tended to hurt when I used them, so I just stopped wearing them altogether. My VFFs, and moccasins, felt almost too protective, causing me to strike harder with my feet, though his may just be a personal idiosyncrasy. I would like to see more 'science' about the differences between barefoot and minimalist running styles, which is perhaps too far out of Robillard's range of expertise. Still, he does discuss the VFFs in more detail on his blog. In the next edition of the book, maybe he could include a separate section or chapter on minimalist running.
A nice personal touch in the book is Robillard's encouragement of barefoot runners to be “ambassadors” out in the shod running world, arguing that, if we barefoot runners agree that running barefoot is good for us, we're helping other people by encouraging their curiosity. In his “Other topics” section he gives some humorous examples of people's responses to seeing someone running barefoot, many of which I've heard myself, but he urges that we barefoot runners always be polite and, if possible, funny, in talking with people, with the hope that they'll 'take the plunge' and try barefoot running themselves.
For someone who is curious about barefoot running, I would recommend this book as a handy guide to start with, saving much time navigating online discussion groups. As an intermediate to advanced barefoot runner (I've run two half-marathons and two full marathons in the past year), with nagging minor injury, I found the book a good review, and source of reflection. For all levels of barefoot runners, going with Robillard's 'ambassador' idea, this book would make a great gift to someone you know who's expressed interest in the lifestyle. Might be nice to have a copy handy nearby so that when (and not if) someone asks about barefoot running, you can immediately hand it to them and say, “Here, read this!”
Order this book through Amazon.com here.
For more info on Jason Robillard, visit:
his website, The Barefoot Running University
his blog, The Barefoot Chronicles
Also, you might run into Jason, and me, at the Runner's World Barefoot Running Forum
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