subject: Barefoot Running: 7 Reasons To Read "born To Run" [print this page] Have you be come curious about barefoot running after reading an article or blog post about it? Have you tried it and decided it's only for the insane? Or maybe you are already dedicated to barefoot running and go out everyday, rain, wind or shine.
Regardless of your experience, if you have even heard about barefoot running there are many great books that can tell you how to improve your technique, run better and make your experience more enjoyable. Among these great books, a very popular one is "Born to Run" by Christopher McDougal. You can find books about running barefoot at your local bookstore or get them from Amazon.
Here are my top 7 reasons to read about barefoot running are:
Reason #1. Learn the truth about barefoot running.
There are many sources of barefoot running myths and misinformation out there, so be careful with what book you choose. "Born to Run" is a book where not only is the author an actual practitioner of barefoot running himself, but he traveled to the home of the legendary barefoot running tribe called the "Tarahumara" in Mexico, known for their barefoot running treks that cover hundreds of miles and take 2 days or more.(Tarahumara is actually not what they call themselves - you will learn their real name when you read "Born to Run.")
Reason #2. The "secret supplement" of Aztec runners.
The Tarahumara still drink an ancient recipe passed down from eh ancient aztecs that allows them to experience heightened energy, strength and endurance while running. This substance was considered more precious than god by the aztecs and you will learn what it is and how to make it for your own barefoot running routine.
Reason #3. Solid science and body mechanics.
A good barefoot running book includes information that is not is not just a personal story or a history of barefoot running (although it is both of those) - but it is also a resource for some solid scientific research on barefoot running, and body mechanics. For example in "Born To Run" the author talked with top running researchers and scientists before writing his book, and it shows.
Reason #4. The Tarahumara.
Barefoot running 200 miles at a stretch...drinking corn liquor as a mainstay of their diet...living in a place that is so treacherous it has claimed the lives of many seasoned mountaineers...the Tarahumara are possibly the most fascinating tribe still alive on earth, and you can read about every amazing detail when you read about barefoot running.
Reason #5. Learn about barefoot running story.
There are many barefoot runners who took their personal experience and translated it into a book. An example of this is Christopher McDougal, who in his book tells readers about his personal saga of how he found barefoot running after being unable to prevent his body from breaking down with multiple injuries caused by shoe running is interesting in itself and will serve as a kind of rubric by which many can compare their own experiences, barefoot running or otherwise.
Reason #6. Practical material you can use for barefoot running.
Aside from the historical significance and pure reading enjoyment, books like "Born to Run" also include a lot of practical information and advice that anyone interested in barefoot running can use in their own practice. Personally I found it indispensable reading while training for barefoot running across America (and still do).
Reason #7. Pacing of a mystery novel.
From the opening sentence to the last page, "Born to Run" is many things, but boring is not one of them. You will find yourself sucked into this book about barefoot running the same way you would a great mystery novel - only, everything in "Born to Run" is true.
That's it - seven reasons to go out and get barefoot running books and read them right now! It also makes a great complement to any barefoot running course.
Important! Before you start barefoot running: You need know about how to change your stride for barefoot running, as well as the ancient secret "supplement" used by Aztec runners.
