Hi. A well meaning friend has declared that "our" (he means Western) foot arches are different from African runners and it's something I should be aware of and compensate for when running barefoot style (I have 6mm Xero's) By compensate, I'm not sure if this means doing certain exercises, or by not running as far or as often unless in shoes (yikes!). This info was passed on by a third party so I wasn't able to ask them to elaborate, such as where the info came from.
I have read up on so much information on BF and whilst I couldn't possibly claim to remember it all, I'm certain I've never heard of this before. Apparently, as Africans have flat (or flatter) feet than us, this allows them to run long distance BF, and also explains why their trainers (I'm assuming my friend means in athletics) differ from ours (again, this info has come from my friend).
Just wondered if anyone has heard of this before and can shed some light on this – is it true, can it be disproved? I'm all ready with my list of reasons why BF is good for you, all my counter arguments, but hadn't reckoned on this statement!
Basically what this person is saying is 'warning, be careful" but I don't know what to be careful of!
And then just yesterday my husband said that since I've been wearing huaraches I've started walking funny! I must admit to trying out different walking styles because my usual gait of longish stride followed by heel strike (and I'm heavy footed as a general rule) was hurting my heels. So I've experimented and I seem to favour a smaller, quicker stride with flat foot landing. I guess it does look a bit "geisha-like". Now though I'm wondering if this is wrong!
Love to hear your thoughts and opinions on both points...
Cheers
I have read up on so much information on BF and whilst I couldn't possibly claim to remember it all, I'm certain I've never heard of this before. Apparently, as Africans have flat (or flatter) feet than us, this allows them to run long distance BF, and also explains why their trainers (I'm assuming my friend means in athletics) differ from ours (again, this info has come from my friend).
Just wondered if anyone has heard of this before and can shed some light on this – is it true, can it be disproved? I'm all ready with my list of reasons why BF is good for you, all my counter arguments, but hadn't reckoned on this statement!
Basically what this person is saying is 'warning, be careful" but I don't know what to be careful of!
And then just yesterday my husband said that since I've been wearing huaraches I've started walking funny! I must admit to trying out different walking styles because my usual gait of longish stride followed by heel strike (and I'm heavy footed as a general rule) was hurting my heels. So I've experimented and I seem to favour a smaller, quicker stride with flat foot landing. I guess it does look a bit "geisha-like". Now though I'm wondering if this is wrong!
Love to hear your thoughts and opinions on both points...
Cheers