Running in warmer times!
There's a movement afoot (no pun intended) to switch from running endurance races in traditional running shoes to running barefoot. Some people do run barefoot, but a large number of people switching over to barefoot running actually run in a glove-like shoe. The most popular of these appears to be the Vibram Five Fingers. Click HERE to check out these puppies!
So, why run barefoot? If you think about this logically, humans have been running barefoot for thousands of years. Then in flat shoes in more modern times. Up until the 1970s, running shoes didn't exist! Then again, neither did recreational running. Prior to this time, we humans ran with our weight on the forefoot. With running shoes, we've altered our strides and now land predominantly heel first and roll through to the forefoot thereby taking longer strides. Check out this article from Sci-Tech Today that explains this phenomenon. Click HERE. (While you're there, check out the great story on global warming bunk. Click HERE.)
Although a huge advocate of POSE running, I struggle with this running form. (Click HERE to learn more.) My biggest drawback is falling back into my old style of running as I fatigue. So, since I'm planning on running the OC 1/2 Marathon on April 24th, I'm going to buy a pair of the Vibrams and give barefoot running a try to see what happens. Never run barefoot before, so I'm going to start out slow and add more mileage until I know I'm ready to go the distance in the Vibrams. Should be an interesting experiment!
And remember to come out to the Green Turtle in West Ocean City for the 1/2 Marathon and 5k kick-off event this Tuesday, February 2nd, from 6 pm to 8 pm.
