A Passion for Running

Welcome to the home of Mark aka The Running Blogfather – a 40 year-old dad, husband and marathon runner who's beaten injury and is on the comeback trail!

ball talk of a more serious nature

passion for running category: pose running method,running on Tuesday, March 15 2005

I know, I know. By now you are probably having a hard time taking anything I say seriously. However, this ball-chair thing has got me thinking…

As you know, I am very keen on strengthening my core. I’ve been advised that sitting in a cushy, supportive chair is a bad thing because the chair is supporting my back and contributing to a weakening of core muscles.

So, our workplace ergonomics guy told me to sit on the ball to strengthen my core and back. Ironic really because a few years ago, that same person would have probably just given me a more supportive chair.

Over the years, a change in thinking has occurred with respect to caring for the back. The change went from, “let’s support the back with devices” to “let’s remove supportive devices and strengthen muscles which support the back”.

Makes sense right? Well, hang onto your hat cuz I’m about to take this in a different direction…

Our whole lives we’ve been told we need structured shoes to run well and reduce our chances of injury. Furthermore, when we have foot problems or injuries, we are told we need better shoes or orthodics for more severe cases.

I am starting to really question this way of thinking!

The approach I’ve decided to take with my feet is the same as how I am dealing with my back. I am going to eliminate the devices I use to support my feet (structured shoes), and focus my efforts on strengthening the body.

I’ve read there are three ways to go at this:

#1-strengthening exercises and drills
#2-barefoot running
#3-wear thin, relatively unstructured shoes/racing flats as explained and shown here

You probably nodded in agreement with #1 but I’ll bet those other two generated a different response huh?

The pose method is an advocate for #3 and is a-ok with #2 as long as #2 is done using proper form. Of course, those #2 people advocate for getting rid of footwear entirely!

I tell ya, between ChiRunning, the Pose method and taking a step (pun!) toward doing some barefoot running, the next several months are going to be a fascinating time for me.

I hope the outcome is as exciting as the process!




10 Comments

2585

Comment by BD

Tuesday March 15, 2005 @

I can see (1) and even (3) but I have no courage for (2). First, there are the dangers on the road (glass, nails, etc.). Second, I can tell that my shoes absorb some of the pounding from running and I’m glad that they do. Perhaps it’s a crutch but I believe I can still use good form while wearing proper footwear. Third, I don’t want my feet to feel like dog pads.

I’m very intrigued in learning more about your experiences. Perhaps I’ll muster the courage to try (3) some day.

2586

Comment by lori

Wednesday March 16, 2005 @

I still say that running barefoot is dirty for the feet. People spit on the road… yuck! I agree with BD. I don’t want my feet to be like dog’s feet.

2587

Comment by Jon in Michigan

Wednesday March 16, 2005 @

You are smack on with 1, 2, and 3, Mark. You feet were made for running, but wearing healed shoes makes your achilles shorter than normal. Try running with your heal hitting first (like runnings shoes make you) and see how long your feet last.

Looking at the pictures of those guys’ feet after the barefoot races tells me the road isn’t all that dangerous. I’m with you on this one. Its going to take some time to do it, but I wnat to get to some barefoot running.

2588

Comment by mark

Wednesday March 16, 2005 @

Yes, Jon. There are a lot of myths out there about barefoot running. If you look at pictures of Ken Saxton (the most famous BFR) you can see his feet are very soft and supple.

2589

Comment by Deene

Wednesday March 16, 2005 @

Good points. before trying the barefoot running a person would have to get used to just being barefoot all the time to condition the soles for stress first. I don’t like being barefoot.

2590

Comment by mark

Wednesday March 16, 2005 @

Thanks Deene,

That is true and even the most experienced BFRers say you need to build up to it very gradually.

2591

Comment by Chris Brogan...

Wednesday March 16, 2005 @

As I’ve logged a dozen or more miles barefoot on the beach over the last year, I’ll tell you this about that: I found that it felt as if my work there strengthened my ankles and some other muscles into supporting me better when it came time to run on trails. I think you’re on to something. A veritiable MOVEMENT towards taking back our body’s power. I’m with you on this. (Just don’t email me more physics or I’ll cry).

2592

Comment by mark

Wednesday March 16, 2005 @

Thanks Chris. I appreciate you sharing that experience…

And you have yourself a deal!

2595

Comment by Marie

Wednesday March 16, 2005 @

I sit on a ball while using the ‘puter at home – my hubby thinks I’m a freak – sometimes he’s right.

I haven’t been willing to risk running barefoot – I can’t think of anywhere safe enough to do it. But like anything #1-3 are all good, just as long as you slowly build up the distance – it’s like going for a long run in a new pair of shoes – you just don’t do that – you eventually build up to it after doing your short runs in the new shoes, otherwise you’ll get injured as the change in footwear will also alter your mechanics.

2596

Comment by mark

Wednesday March 16, 2005 @

Thanks for that Marie. Couldn’t agree more!

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