Barefoot running? Either way, runners have both "soles" covered

With the New York City Marathon approaching, the CBS evening news presented a segment the other night that really caught my attention.  They had profiled a group of runners who had, quite literally, given up their "soles", but they most definitely haven't  stopped running.  Evidently, there is a movement "afoot" to shed that footwear because, according to a select few, it seems to be contributing to some running related injuries.  Naturally, for a group of runners, this provided us with an excellent topic for our morning run and discussion at coffee.

Ever since the running craze took off in the 70's, the shoe industry has introduced concepts which have lured runners and recreational athletes alike to try on their latest wares.  Oregon's legendary, Bill Bowerman introduced the famous Nike "waffle trainer", and if you had ever seen the movie, "Prefontaine", you can appreciate how it derived its name.  Perhaps you remember those muscular calves adorning the cover of Jim Fixx's, The Complete Book of Running which was considered one of running's early epistles.  However, in all my years of running, which formally began in 1973, if you thought of running, it was all about "lacing" up the shoes, not shedding them.  Having said that, Abebe Bikila, in the 1960 Olympic Marathon, ran barefoot to a gold medal, no surprise that someone could do this given this latest trend.

During the discussion, we also analyzed our respective gaits, and to no surprise, we all ran somewhat differently.  Some of us are heel strikers while others are mid to fore foot.  I had long subscribed to the notion that heel striking was the most logical, but more recently for me, the mid foot strike seems the most relaxed.  We also reviewed the merits of the popular "Chi" style of running, as well as "Good Form Running" which incorporate several common themes.  In "Chariots of Fire", Sam Masambini said, " overstriding, death to the sprinter", so maybe there is something to this new idea.  It is always fascinating to think about the evolution of man since some of  those first Hominids were unearthed at Olduvai Gorge by Louis Leakey.  What's even more remarkable is that, for a bunch of "running geeks", we are discussing Early Man.  Running and exercise, in general, sure can cultivate the mind and body.

I certainly am no expert and still need to weigh the evidence regarding this "barefoot" running phenomenon, but one thing is for sure, our society has to move in order to avoid this obesity epidemic.  We are faced with a "huge" public health problem, and if we don't "defeet" it soon, it won't matter what is worn on those feet because there won't be much walking or running anywhere.  As for my friends and me, running has given us the opportunity to grow our friendships, and it is absolutely clear that each of us has benefited from that.  If you consider all the arguments, and additionally, exercise with a group of friends who truly enjoy it, there just might be something to this.  Regardless of how this all plays out, one thing has already been well proven ; exercising regularly with your friends may wear down your soles, but we all agree, exercise is pure health food for the soul!