I recently checked out an article from Outside Online magazine about one man's firsthand account of Erwan LeCorre's MovNat course.  MovNat is an outdoor fitness program that teaches you how to functionally move in the real world, completely different than confined movements most people do in a gym.  While Barefoot Benny Boot Camps are awesome (I spit at modesty in the face), Erwan's MovNat retreats sound extremely fun and badass.  As a gift to myself I oneday want to attend a week long course, just to see how tough I really am (I'd like to think my chest hair makes me hardcore!)

I had the opportunity earlier this year to meet Erwan at a barefoot running clinic on the Brooklyn Bridge, and he definitely knows what he's talking about when it comes to primal fitness.

Have an awesome new year, and I hope to see you out at a Barefoot Benny Boot Camp in 2011!

Nike recently came out with photos of a prototype stick-on foot protector, probably for no other reason than to lift the spirits of the barefoot/minimalist running crowd.  Are they for runners, gymnasts, or for fashion?  Who knows.

These sole pads come in contact with the ground where the majority of your foot touches, saving them from dirt and street grime.  The midfoot and arch will still get dirty (this is a fact based on my barefoot running experience) so these aren't totally that smart.  Maybe if Nike came out with a full-foot concept design it would gain more traction (no pun intended.)

I am skeptical of the practicality of this new release, but am also encouraged that Nike is taking an interest in minimalism beyond their "barefoot" (read not minimalist by any means) Nike Frees.  If Nike or any other shoe company needs a tester for their minimalist products, don't hesitate to contact me.  I have a marathon to train for in 2011 and will racking up the miles, mostly in my Vibram Five Fingers.

Oh yea, thanks to Melanie for the heads up on the foot pads.  She rocks!