Wednesday night I attended a barefoot running clinic led by "Barefoot Running" author Michael Sandler. The event, hosted by the Barefoot Runners NYC Meetup.com group, attracted over 70 barefoot runners, which is pretty awesome! I arrived in Central Park and laughed to myself as a huge group of people, mostly shod in Vibram Five Fingers or just their bare skin, mulled around talking to each other. I've seen other VFF runners in Central Park and during NYRR races, but never have I seen such a large gathering of us.
Once things got underway, Michael Sandler told us about his personal discovery of barefoot running. He used to be a professional athlete who could bike, run, rollerblade, and basically do everything else that could be considered active. After a horrifying blading accident that left his leg mangled, he underwent many surgeries to repair what was left. The doctors place a titanium rod in his leg, among other things, which was a lot better than amputation, but he found it difficult to run again. After becoming frustrated with his sneakers, he took off his shoes and started going barefoot, which enabled him to feel the ground, which in turn enabled his body find a correct form which didn't cause pain. Pretty impressive stuff!
The clinic was a bit different than Erwan LeCorre's or a Pose Running session in that he focused more on how your upper body should be positioned, as opposed to what should be done with your legs. Sandler stressed these few essentials:
While there was the obvious motive to sell books, Sandler also felt very passionate about spreading the word on barefoot running. He was very genuine and engaging, and was able to cite studies and statistics about how running barefoot can improve your form, make you more efficient, and greatly reduce the risk of injury. While I've never read the book, I heard there are a plenty of drills in it to further educate yourself on how to run. I personally will not be buying the book, but for the beginner it is probably a great read.
If you're interested in learning more about barefoot and minimalist running, sign up for one of my barefoot running lessons in Central Park and find out what all the excitement is about!
Once things got underway, Michael Sandler told us about his personal discovery of barefoot running. He used to be a professional athlete who could bike, run, rollerblade, and basically do everything else that could be considered active. After a horrifying blading accident that left his leg mangled, he underwent many surgeries to repair what was left. The doctors place a titanium rod in his leg, among other things, which was a lot better than amputation, but he found it difficult to run again. After becoming frustrated with his sneakers, he took off his shoes and started going barefoot, which enabled him to feel the ground, which in turn enabled his body find a correct form which didn't cause pain. Pretty impressive stuff!
The clinic was a bit different than Erwan LeCorre's or a Pose Running session in that he focused more on how your upper body should be positioned, as opposed to what should be done with your legs. Sandler stressed these few essentials:
- Your hips must be in a neutral position, instead of tilted down with your bum sticking out
- Suck your belly in
- Chest is up and out
- Bring your arms into a "W" and then roll your shoulders down your back, leaving your arms in a 90 degree angle, with your hands near your ribs and elbows back
- Straighten yourself up, like somebody is pulling a string from your head
- Fall forward and take tiny steps and begin running
While there was the obvious motive to sell books, Sandler also felt very passionate about spreading the word on barefoot running. He was very genuine and engaging, and was able to cite studies and statistics about how running barefoot can improve your form, make you more efficient, and greatly reduce the risk of injury. While I've never read the book, I heard there are a plenty of drills in it to further educate yourself on how to run. I personally will not be buying the book, but for the beginner it is probably a great read.
If you're interested in learning more about barefoot and minimalist running, sign up for one of my barefoot running lessons in Central Park and find out what all the excitement is about!
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