Minimalist Running…but it does make you stronger!

Matt Fitzgerald recently wrote an interesting article entitled “But is it faster?” which poses doubts about the current barefoot and minimal trend.  He proceeds to explain why he and most elite athletes use shoes in nearly all their training and racing.  His logic is easily followed and rather convincing.  It was almost refreshing to hear a counter argument to the minimalist movement that isn’t mere name calling.  A counter argument is a bit harsh as he agrees that you should use as little shoe as possible.  One thing he fails to address, possibly even understand, is that for some of us it’s not about speed.  Barefoot and minimalist runners do it for the freedom, the sense of invigorating health and organic instincts.  It’s the same reason we run trails instead of roads.  Sure we could go faster on roads, it’s just that trails are more fun.  Michael Sandler in his book Barefoot Running writes emphatically about running light and free by getting in touch with the earth.  That is what running minimalism is all about.

Yet the movement isn’t just some hippy feel-goodery.  It resonates with people both runners and non-runners, fast and slow.  Modern shoes have been casts protecting feet but neutering their ability.  By using lighter more flexible shoes or even pure barefoot, feet do more work and move through a fuller more natural range of motion.  Fast?…maybe not immediately, but strong?…without a doubt!

For example: How about the recently run Western States 100 World Championships?  The top 4 runners crushed the competition with the top 2 runners shattering the record by 30 minutes!  The shoes these four athletes were wearing- Montrail Mtn Masochists, New Balance 101, Salomon S-lab, and Pearl Izumi Peak XC.  Protective yes but these shoes are some of the lightest most flexible trail shoes on the market.  These athletes got fast and strong by letting the body go through it’s natural movements.  By proper biomechanics and a strong core, these athletes are able to maintain sub 10 minute miles for 100 miles over rocky undulating trails.  Considering the shoes used 5-10 years ago in the sport of ultra running, these shoes are most certainly considered minimal.  Despite the speed aspect of minimalism yet to be proven, I must emphatically state that it sure does make you stronger.

Further research is needed in all facets of running biomechanics and footwear, especially now that the industry norms are in question.  However, we stand by our mantra…”Run Natural!”

Congrats to all Western States finishers especially Geof Roes and Anton Krupicka for crushing the course record and Zeke for running the whole race in Vibrams!

This entry was posted on Wednesday, June 30th, 2010 at 12:08 am and is filed under Barefoot Running, Injuries & Treatment, Minimalist Shoes, Running Shoes, Shoe Reviews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.