In general, as an "idea", I think it is a good one. We strengthen our minds with knowledge, we lift weights, so why not strengthen our feet as well? The problem that I see with it as that so many people look at it with an "all or nothing" viewpoint. It simply does not have to be like that.
I have actually been moving towards lightweight or more minimal shoes for the last couple of years. However, my journey had nothing to do with wanting to strengthen my feet, being more like my ancient "barefoot" ancestors, or to avoid the injuries that (gasp) will undoubtedly strike the soul of anyone who has ever worn a stability shoe.
No, I had two reasons for wanting to run in a minimal shoe:
1. I can run faster in a 7 oz shoe than I can run in a 13 oz shoe.
2. I have a "B" width foot and the shape of a racing shoe or flat is built on a narrower last and just plain fits my foot better.
Like I said, the transition for me was slow. I started by using LW trainers (still with a medial post) and slowly started using shoes more like the Adidas Adios and the Inov8 Talon series. I like the form fitting design and how light I feel running uphill. However, for myself, I have noticed that if I log too many runs in these shoes, I get more tired than I would in a standard training shoe. And... what happens when you continue to log hard miles on a body that is a bit more tired and beat up than usual? Well, injury sure is not out of the question.....
However, it seems like the "barefoot" or minimalistic approach that many runners are taking is that you either throw all your chips in or you don't do it at all. I disagree with that completely. There are days when I want to run in a minimal shoe and I love them. There are other days when I want to throw on my DS Trainers or Ravenna's and enjoy the extra "cush" and support that they provide. I don't feel like a traitor to either party and feel like more of a training shoe helps me on my cruiser or recovery runs.
However, I do see folks getting injured when they press on through hard training using minimal or barefoot techniques, thinking that there are "evils" with stability shoes. After all, look at all the injuries that occurred since stability shoes came into existence in the 70's! Never mind the fact that "jogging" wasn't a sport until the 70's! And, most "runners" who raced at that point in time probably had better than average biomechanics.
For the record, I thought "Born to Run" was an average book. It had some interesting ideas and I buy into some of them. Other parts I found to be too much of the "all or nothing" philosophy, especially when considering that the author is really not much of a runner at all. And, being in the inside of the sport, you realize how blown up or exaggerated many of his descriptions were- both of races and the people involved. But again, all and all an entertaining read.
So, anyway, I do think there are some interesting ideas provided in the book but I would encourage people to make sure they realize they can dabble in minimalism without having to go hook, line, and sinker. Just my two cents.....
3 comments:
Boy oh boy, moderation is getting hard to come by...politically, spiritually...and now we're apparently risking great harm to our bodies if we don't run as cro-magnon man did. Rod - I appreciate your comments on this issue. I think the minimalist thing has been over-romanticized. I did love Born to Run tho.
Very good !! I like you work in a running store. Have done so for 16 years now and like you every day am asked the same stuff. I take the same approach as you with all the stuff. Thanks for your take. More people need to hear it from folks like you.
You need to tell that it is MUCH more important what they wear on their bodies as opposed to their feet. That's why triathletes wear those cute little speedo things and man bra's when they race, cuz they're so fa-fa-fa-fast! And then fill the racks with speedos, write a book, and watch the people flock.
Just kidding. Too much running in minimal footwear hurts my IT bands. I like to change it up like most people who can think for themselves. Moderation goes the distance.
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