So here we are–the last post in my Lose the Shoes series. If you’ve been following along for the past eight weeks and practicing as you go, no doubt you’ve learned a thing or two about running barefoot and avoiding injuries. The main tip I can give you if you’re new to barefoot and/or minimalist [...]
There are three main tips for conserving energy when running barefoot so you can run faster & longer before pooping out. The first tip is to RELAX. (Oh, you’ve heard me say that before? Multiple times even? It’s because it’s that important!) The other two tips I’ll elaborate on below. 1. Keep a Fast Cadence [...]
I’m having the hardest time choosing the perfect ‘soundtrack song’ for this post. Do I go with Alicia Keys or Glen Hansard? Or maybe Shakira would be more appropriate, since the key to this falling sensation when running barefoot starts in the hips. Confused? Let’s start again. All musical references aside, let’s try children’s movies, [...]
Here’s what to do if you want your calves to be writhing in agony tomorrow: Run like a fairy, extending your leg far in front of your body with each step, landing only on your toes. Don’t place your heel on the ground at any point. Why would you put yourself through the misery of [...]
Now we’re getting into the nuts and bolts of barefoot running technique. If you’re just joining in, check out the info on keeping your head up and relaxing your shoulders & arms when running. It will make a world of difference in the enjoyability of your run! Moving down to your legs, this has to [...]
RELAX. It’s a word I often repeat to myself as I’m running. Shake it loose and RELAX. I should probably remind myself of it even when I’m not running, since I tend to hold tension in my shoulders without noticing it on a regular basis. That’s why this week’s barefoot running tip is RELAX your [...]
Have you lost your shoes yet? Last week I introduced my new Lose the Shoes series where I’ll offer up a new barefoot & minimalist running tip each week leading up to my very first 5K race. I asked you what you wanted to know about barefoot running and heard lots of great ideas! I [...]
With the popularity of my Barefoot is Better post, it seems that more and more people are losing their shoes and opting for a more natural approach to walking and running. As I’ve been making that same transition myself, I’ve been learning heaps about proper barefoot running technique and tips for making the switch. I [...]
Have you ever read a book that inspired you to action? The kind that upon reading the last page, you close the book, put it down, then get up and do something about it? That’s what this book did to me. I had heard people buzzing about Born to Run for a while, but I [...]
I love my Vibram FiveFingers. I get a host of different reactions when people see my shoes for the first time. Things like: “WHAT in the world are those?!? Those are some funky looking things you have on your feet.” To “Wow, I love your shoes. I’ve been wanting a pair. Are they comfortable?” Some [...]