My friend Fredrik has tried on barefoot running and I liked his thorough approach. He has written an article in three parts on why he started, his first experience and what he has learnt from barefoot running.
Many of us has read “Born to run” and has been inspired to take up the barefoot technicue, but I dont know anyone personally who has gone to the extent of documenting the process.
Good reading for anyone interesting in changing their running to a more natural form.
Happy reading!
/Joakim
Part 1 – About barefoot running
“The modern running shoe was essentially invented by Nike in 1972, and the running shoe industry has become a $20 billion industry. Hmm.. makes my wonder….. Didn’t people run before 1972? If they did, was the injury levels dramatically higher than now?”
“Are running shoes preventing or causing injuries?”
“Being interested in MovNat I came across Barefoot Ted and had an eureka moment realizing that I have taken the completely wrong approach to running. I’ve taken the approach the $20 billion running shoe industry wants me to.”
http://www.lyhagen.com/2009/05/barefoot-running-run-as-you-were-designed-to/
Part 2 – Fredrik starts to use FiveFingers, and his experience during the first run
“The FiveFingers sure look funny and I have received a lot of looks and comments wearing them for walks in the neighbourhood. “Hey, have you taken up ballet dancing?” is one of many more or less funny remarks.”
“They are fantastically comfortable to walk in, like walking barefoot without worrying what to step on. You feel the surface you walk on, the Vibram sole protects you from any sharp objects and you have fantastic grip, also when wet.”
“After the first few hours of walking in the FiveFingers it was somewhat strange to wear sneakers again – so heavy, clumsy and no feel at all.”
“After only 2 km or so my calves started to protest! They are definitely not used to taking the impact full 87 kg in each step.”
http://www.lyhagen.com/2009/06/barefoot-running-pt-2-the-first-experience/
A few lines from the article:
“A few weeks into barefoot running I have two major learnings:
1, It’s so smooth, effortless and joyful compared to conventional running, IF you get the technique right.
2, It’s very hard work and takes a lot of patience to reset the muscles.”
“FiveFingers do look a bit weird and I get a lot of looks and comments. Wearing them a day on town is a great way of spreading happiness, I have never had so many people looking at me, my shoes and them me again with a big smile! Vibram FiveFingers – changing the world, one step at a time!”
http://www.lyhagen.com/2009/09/barefoot-running-pt-3-patience-puma-and-pose/
