For all my fellow misguided BRS friends:
http://www.active.com/running/artic...&gender=M&lyrisid=44073181&memberid=111166624
http://www.active.com/running/artic...&gender=M&lyrisid=44073181&memberid=111166624
Except this isn't journalism. It is only a blog and as such there is no such thing as a requirement of objectivity in a blog. The author pretty much vented his own misguided opinion with no actual fact to back it up entirely ignoring all the facts opposing his own opinion.As far as journalistic critique, I found the article sparse in facts, presenting only one side, and heavy on emotionalism. I got that the idea of running barefoot seems stupidly obscene to him.
This is idiotic. This is just politically correct drivel of someone who doesn't want to take a position.from Dr. Allison Gruber: "I always recommend that runners run the way that is most natural and comfortable for them. Each runner runs a certain way for a reason, likely because of the way [he or she was] physically built. Unless there is some indication that you should change things, such as a repeated injury, don't mess with that plan."
I noticed the article also focused on the idea of BFR strictly from a performance and speed aspect. He also referenced that Elite runners train and run in minimalist shoes (spikes/racking flats), and that it's ok for them to do it but intimated "but that's not for the rest of you...". I find that interesting (and condescending), particularly since most runners I've met (Bare Footers or not) are what would be considered "recreational runners" and not semi-pro/pro racers desperate to shave a 1/2 second off their time for a half-marathon...
The only thing in the entire article I fully agreed with was the NY Times quotes from Dr. Allison Gruber: "I always recommend that runners run the way that is most natural and comfortable for them," Gruber told The New York Times. "Each runner runs a certain way for a reason, likely because of the way [he or she was] physically built. Unless there is some indication that you should change things, such as a repeated injury, don't mess with that plan."
Well, I needed to change the plan for that very reason.. I'll happily take the possibility of minor blisters, bruises, abrasions, the occaisional small punctures and (heaven forbid) dirt, rather than going back to the repeated cases of Plantar Fasciitis, Over-Pronantion, Achillies Tendonitis, Shin Splints, Blisters and pain in my arches, ankles, knees, hips and back from "overuse" caused by a 3/week leisurely 5K run in "conventional" running shoes...