Barefoot Running Step by Step Book Review
Written by: Barefoot Ken Bob Saxton and Roy M. Wallack
If you’ve ever heard of Barefoot Ken Bob, you probably read about him from Christopher McDougal’s book, Born to Run. He is known as the pioneer of the modern barefoot running movement, which has become very popular thanks to the previously mentioned NY Times Best Seller. But the problem is, people want to get into barefoot running and go at it head (more like bare feet) first! So what happens is they give barefoot running a try, don’t know what they’re getting themselves into and eventually get hurt which causes them to stop running completely. With anything new, you should always do your research first and make sure you know the proper steps to actually complete the goal, which in this case is to successfully transition yourself from running in shoes to going completely barefoot. That is no easy task since your feet and body have been used to running ‘protected’ for as long as you’ve been alive. Barefoot Running Step by Step is will help you through that transition.
“BAREFOOT RUNNING STEP BY STEP (Fair Winds Press, May 2011) separates the facts from the hype covering the latest research and running techniques behind the barefoot running movement. Co-written by running journalist Roy Wallack this guide outlines proper techniques for running barefoot properly and incorporating the practice into your running regimen for a better stride, longer endurance, and fewer injuries.
Whether you’re a beginner, run barefoot occasionally, part-time, or full-time, you’ll find methods for improving your form, staying injury-free, dramatically improving your speed and performance, and having more fun.”
Here are some takeaways from Barefoot Running Step by Step:
- Ease into it: The steps you need to make the transition from running in shoes to barefoot running as painless and easy as possible.
- Improve Speed: Barefoot running’s injury reduction benefits are well-touted; however a new landmark study proves that barefooting—even part-time—can make you faster.
- The Bent Knee: The hidden secret to perfect running form. How this crucial adjustment will keep you running stronger and injury-free for life.
- Vibrams and Minimalist Shoes: Barefoot running is not a transition from shoes to minimalist shoes to bare feet. It’s the other way around. Why you need to run barefoot before you use other footwear.
- Start From the Head: Proper barefoot form doesn’t start at the feet. Discover how to get the correct body biomechanics.
I was really surprised to read about the section regarding minimalist footwear. If you’ve been running your whole life in regular running shoes, going directly barefoot seems like a shock to the body. So logically, easing your way into barefooting by wearing minimalist shoes would make sense. The other important thing that I learned from this book is that barefoot running is not for everybody, which means this book is not for everybody. But, if you really are interested in becoming a barefoot running, Barefoot Running Step by Step is definitely your first step (pun intended) to getting there.
Where to Buy:
