Some Running Inspiration

"You can never cross the ocean until you have the courage to lose sight of the shore" -- Chistopher Columbus

"Running" Magazines

I get pretty upset when I read "running" magazines. Today, they feature "minimalist" running shoes, most of which feature gobs of padding and a giant caveat like "nice flexible sole but only for soft trails!" For tradition or liability's sake, these magazines won't yet leave the padded shoes in a donation bin.

How can you convince yourself there is something better out there? My number one recommendation is to try it for real. However, it might take a year or so before you really start to feel the benefits of running the way you're designed. In the meantime, read some books that will tell you how awesome running on your toes can be!

Born to Run by Christopher McDougall

I consider this book to be a sort of running bible. It is not a how-to-run book per se because it goes deeper into running lifestyle. It's also a crazy good story.

The Best Book On How to Barefoot Run by Charlie Reid and Josh Leeger

This book literally goes through strength drills and stretches to get you out on your feet building muscle in a sane, structured fashion. It's a quick read that progresses in a natural order. I disagree with some of the methodology because I believe in a more forward approach to learning how to run: trying it, doing too much, realizing how dumb it was to run so much so soon, repeating.

Ice and Massage

...will save you from most screw-ups. If you feel sharp, intense pains while running, just stop. Blogs and books should be running motivators, not limiters. Let your own body be your limiting factor, but stay on friendly terms. Take time off and let the injuries heal. Try out techniques that other people have found work for them and see if they help you. Don't get stuck in a rut or stop believing that you will enjoy running.

Action:

Try some running technique you haven't.

-- Coach