Barefoot Running

You know how it’s always a huge ordeal to get the perfect running shoe? What shoe is actually the best for your foot? But it turns out that the best and fastest way you can run is barefoot? Now I don’t think that a person who has worn shoes all their life can just take them off and run and just be great at it, but I do think if a person has run barefoot every since they were little and the foot is trained, it’s probably possible.

Well, I decided I wanted to know what it was like to run for a while with no shoes, just barefoot. Not even a sock.

I was a little hesitant at first because I knew I’d probably hurt myself, and everyone would stare at me, but I wanted to do it! So, I stretched a little bit, slipped out of my Toms, and off I went. I was running in Wyndhurst and it has a sidewalk and grass right next to it for most of the way. At first I just ran on the sidewalk, and I gotta tell ya, I felt really empowered! It was like I was more connected with my running and my speed and control. It felt good. Then I started running on the grass and I really liked that! It was very soft and cool.

So I was going for a while, doing my sprints and jogs, and just passed the half way point, when it happened. I just knew I was going to hurt myself! And I did. I kicked a bee in fact. It stung. Yes it really stung. Right on the bottom of my foot. I didn’t know what to do! Should I stop? Should keep going? Should I walk?

Well I just hate not finishing strong, so I just kept on running I did! I was limping a little, but who doesn’t? After a little bit, it just stopped hurting altogether! No pain, no gain; that’s what I always say! Actually, I don’t say that, but I should start I guess. If I'm going to be in the Tough Mudder I gotta get used to the bee stings! Bring it on!

But anyways, my conclusion on the barefoot running overall was success! I really liked having the experience, and I went a lot faster because of it. Now, I don’t know if I actually will do it again, but I wouldn’t be totally opposed. I just got to keep a closer eye on those bees next time!

P.S. This is a small exert from a research paper of some Harvard students.

In Daniel Lieberman's Skeletal Biology Lab, we have been investigating the biomechanics of endurance running, comparing habitually barefoot runners with runners who normally run in modern running shoes with built-up heels, stiff soles and arch support.

Here is a summary of our findings, which we explain with the aid of videos and images in the following pages:

Our research asked how and why humans can and did run comfortably without modern running shoes. We tested and confirmed what many people knew already: that most experienced, habitually barefoot runners tend to avoid landing on the heel and instead land with a forefoot or midfoot strike. The bulk of our published research explores the collisional mechanics of different kinds of foot strikes. We show that most forefoot and some midfoot strikes (shod or barefoot) do not generate the sudden, large impact transients that occur when you heel strike (shod or barefoot). Consequently, runners who forefoot or midfoot strike do not need shoes with elevated cushioned heels to cope with these sudden, high transient forces that occur when you land on the ground. Therefore, barefoot and minimally shod people can run easily on the hardest surfaces in the world without discomfort from landing. If impact transient forces contribute to some forms of injury, then this style of running (shod or barefoot) might have some benefits, but that hypothesis remains to be tested.

Isaiah 20:3
Then the LORD said, "As my servant Isaiah has walked naked and barefoot for three years as a sign and a portent against Egypt and Cush