Hey guys, just wanted to drop in and say hi and give everyone a friendly reminder. I'm currently not doing any sort of barefoot running-related clinics mostly because I needed a break and got hooked on a new hobby. I'm still doing very limited wok with friends that seek advice and have been doing shorter training runs barefoot, in huaraches, and in min. shoes. Living in the greater San Diego area certainly helps.
Regarding the reminder- the recent issue with the minimalist clinic put on by Running Fit in MI brought up a point that I generally like to avoid, but really needs to be addressed. As I was traveling the country conducting clinics, the single biggest obstacle I encountered was a universal and shockingly negative perception of barefoot runners. It's the "you guys are a fanatical cult" perception which almost always stems from a single encounter with a rude, pushy, or arrogant barefoot advocate.
I understand the passion behind this topic, but if you create a negative perception of barefoot runners, it REALLY hurts those of us that actually want to help the masses. My best advice:
1. Study up on what we really know and don't know about barefoot and minimalist shoe running. I still see A LOT of claims based on gross overgeneralizations being made. Anyone that's been around the running world for any length of time will immediately recognize them as such. I suggest reading Pete Larson and Bill Katovsky's book "Tread Lightly." Pete does an excellent job of explaining what the science really tells us.
2. Understand most people have zero interest in running barefoot, but some may do it if presented as a tool to help them run better. Framing the entire discussion as a running form issue is probably the most scientifically valid approach, and also the most effective means of persuasion.
3. Read "The Art of Seduction" and apply those principles to your attempts at selling the idea of barefoot running. Please (and I really mean PLEASE) stop using douchey "I'm right and you're wrong" methods. It turns away almost everyone and results in the rest of us cleaning up the mess.
In short, don't let your passion for the topic blind you to the reality of public perception. If you feel you always need to be right, don't do it in a public forum. I'm no longer actively teaching barefoot running or good form principles, but there are a lot of people that are and you're doing them a serious disservice.
That' all.
Carry on.
Regarding the reminder- the recent issue with the minimalist clinic put on by Running Fit in MI brought up a point that I generally like to avoid, but really needs to be addressed. As I was traveling the country conducting clinics, the single biggest obstacle I encountered was a universal and shockingly negative perception of barefoot runners. It's the "you guys are a fanatical cult" perception which almost always stems from a single encounter with a rude, pushy, or arrogant barefoot advocate.
I understand the passion behind this topic, but if you create a negative perception of barefoot runners, it REALLY hurts those of us that actually want to help the masses. My best advice:
1. Study up on what we really know and don't know about barefoot and minimalist shoe running. I still see A LOT of claims based on gross overgeneralizations being made. Anyone that's been around the running world for any length of time will immediately recognize them as such. I suggest reading Pete Larson and Bill Katovsky's book "Tread Lightly." Pete does an excellent job of explaining what the science really tells us.
2. Understand most people have zero interest in running barefoot, but some may do it if presented as a tool to help them run better. Framing the entire discussion as a running form issue is probably the most scientifically valid approach, and also the most effective means of persuasion.
3. Read "The Art of Seduction" and apply those principles to your attempts at selling the idea of barefoot running. Please (and I really mean PLEASE) stop using douchey "I'm right and you're wrong" methods. It turns away almost everyone and results in the rest of us cleaning up the mess.
In short, don't let your passion for the topic blind you to the reality of public perception. If you feel you always need to be right, don't do it in a public forum. I'm no longer actively teaching barefoot running or good form principles, but there are a lot of people that are and you're doing them a serious disservice.
That' all.
Carry on.