The almost-but-not-quite essential piece of running kit.
April 8, 2009I am, of course, talking about trainers. Inspired by this blog post by Blogger the Jogger back in February, I have decided that today’s discussion shall be on footwear. Cue at least 50% of readers deciding that going to check Facebook/Twitter/e-mail will be a better way to spend their time :-)
Still with me? Excellent. Now, when most girls talk about shoes you don’t really envision a pair of asics gel 3000s or Nike Air Victorys, but for me buying new running shoes it much more exciting than some designer heels. The right pair of trainers can make all the difference to a run. Not only does running become easier (honest), but you prevent injury and a new pair of trainers are great for motivation. Needless to say, you’ll also look good.
The reason I say a pair is not quite essential is because of the supposed increase in barefoot running. A tremendous amount of pressure goes through your joints when you run, this being one of the reasons that most running shoes are so well cushioned. However, barefoot runners argue that this encourages you to hit the ground harder, and the bone jarring vibrations of each footfall become a self-fulfilling prophecy. A smattering of papers and studies boast increased output and lower chance of ankle injury, while any community of barefoot runners seem to prefer the fact that you can feel the ground beneath you and experience running the way that nature intended.
In the spirit of dedication to the post I have decided to sample the world of barefoot running… or maybe barefoot jogging… or just walking quickly whilst attempting to avoid getting anything sharp stuck in the bottom of my foot. Either way, look out for future posts as I embark on, what I assume will be, a rather painful journey.
The whole injury thing reminds me of boxing. There are several fatalities a year which never used to happen in bare knuckle boxing because you can hit a lot harder with gloves on.
That said I still think bare foot running is fairly crazy. If you avoid it please try to not get injured.
[...] and her blog regularly pours fuel on the fire of my already unhealthy fascination with religion. Gingell is planning to run barefoot through Stoke (nothing quite like broken glass and used needles to toughen up your [...]
Running isn’t the only activity that people tend to unnecessarily wear shoes for. There are, in fact, very few activities that would require a person to wear shoes. People should go barefoot all the time, everywhere. Walking, running or just standing around.
Going barefoot is healthy for all of the reasons that barefoot runners advocate, starting with the fact that it’s perfectly natural. Millions of years of evolution designed our feet to be in direct contact with the ground. They don’t need protection or assistance.
In modern American life, everything is so sanitary that there’s no chance of catching a disease. Putting your bare hand on a door handle at McDonald’s puts you at greater risk of getting sick than going barefoot anywhere.
And it isn’t like the world is just strewn with blades and other sharp objects waiting to jab your beautiful bare foot. Again, I don’t know about the rest of the world, but America tends to be a pretty clean place. A glance down at the ground every few steps lets you avoid any serious threats. Everything else, your feet can take. After all, it’s what they were designed for.
Your feet don’t need protection from the ground. Your feet are there to protect the rest of your body from the ground.
So don’t feel timid about this decision you’ve made. Walking, running or standing around, barefoot is the way to go!
Thanks for the comment Czouch. Having read around a bit more I’m quite interested to try it. Unfortunately I don’t live in the best of neighbourhoods so I might have to travel for my first barefoot venture!
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Hi, nice post. I have been pondering this issue,so thanks for sharing. I will certainly be coming back to your site. Keep up the good posts