Why should you wear real shoes?

Well, here is a video from Yahoo! News talking about just that issue. (They won't let me insert the video directly.)

My thought: their argument is weak. The main point the podiatrist is trying to make is that people should wear what makes them comfortable.

No More Excuses- EVER

If a 92 year old woman from Hawaii can finish a marathon - we can all do it. Or at least it makes you realize that you are the one holding yourself back so you have to get out there and do it.

Check out the article here: http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2011/04/04/general-us-oldest-marathoner_8391163.html

Here's a picture for the extra inspirations

My favorite part: Her nickname is Gladyator. I hope I'm that tough and determined at her age. Though, I'll probably win a potato chip contest first. Unlike marathons, those things are addicting.

P.S. The Nashville Half is right around the corner! Only 32 days. Eek!

REI is sometimes really cool

While searching for info on the pros and cons of wearing shoes while running, I found a nifty piece of expert advice on REI.com about how to buy running shoes.

My favorite part? The lesson on how to tie your laces. I just tie my shoes like they taught me in grade school, but apparently there is more. Who knew?

Perfect Landing - Harvard Gazette

I came across this article on StumbleUpon and I thought it was perfect to add to the barefoot running theme.

The tag line: "Study finds barefoot runners have less foot stress than shod ones"

Enjoy!

Barefoot Running

Back in 2006, I read an article in Mens' Health about the Tarahumara Indian tribe from Mexico's Copper Canyon. The article talked a lot about barefoot running- a new concept to me. Later in 2009, I discovered that the same author, Christopher McDougall, had written a book called Born to Run which chronicles his adventure to Mexico to meet the tribe for a long distance race.

The People: The Tarahumara Indian tribe is centered around a long distance running game. Basically, they run very far, sometimes 435 miles in one game, kicking or tossing a ball back and forth. It's like soccer or lacrosse, if the entire playing field was the northern Mexico copper canyons. They are a very reclusive group of people so they have rarely been in traditional long distance races, but it is thought that they are the best endurance athletes in the world. And they run in sandals, called Huarache. This isn't something they do for part of their life, but all of their life. They live well into their 100's and run actively until they are in their 60's.

The Concept: The sandals aren't the whole concept, just the gear. The idea is to become a toe/ball striker instead of a heel striker. You want to land on the front of the foot to keep up the momentum. Plus, the shock will be absorbed by your muscles instead of you knees. You can check out an article here with all the details. This means less force and stress on your body and less energy so you can run longer. Additionally, it helps to strengthen your foot to keep it healthy and happy for a long running life.

What the believers are saying:
Well, there is a lab at Harvard studying the biomechanics of barefoot running. Their website is here: http://www.barefootrunning.fas.harvard.edu/index.html.

I urge you to check out their biomechanics and videos page which shows the differences in form of the heel strike and barefoot running technniques.

Here are some samples:

Join me next time when I discuss the other side of the coin - Supported Running (a.k.a wearing shoes)

Review of the Buff!

Have I mentioned that now that my buff has arrived I love it? It's so fun and obviously versatile.

I ordered the winter version that is longer and made of merino wool. At first I wore it everywhere and thought it was kind of scratchy on my skin. Since I started wearing it for just running, I haven't had that problem; it's not in once place all day long. The only other thing I don't like is that when I pull it up over my face and ears, it comes too far up my nose and blocks my vision. As silly as it looks, I've had to wear it under my nose in order to see. BUT my face has not been cold! The next challenge is how it does when it's below 40.

I really want to get a summer version now. I think the headband option and sun protection are going to be key in the hot hot Nashville summers. (I think that will be worse than the snow and cold.)

What are you waiting for, go buy a buff!

New Winter Must Have!

I just stumbled upon the world's greatest invention: the buff.

It's the most versatile piece of cloth you can find and can be anything from a beanie to a face mask. The marketing for the original Buff says that it stays cool when you're hot and warm when you're cold.

Without further ado, here is a the buff demo video:



Amazon confirmed earlier that my winter buff has shipped. Once I've tried it out, I will post my raving review.

By the way, only 110 days until the Nashville Half. (The SD Rock N'Roll Marathon is right behind that so I'm up to 8 mile runs this week. eek!)