Running Style

Just came across a good photo showing contrasting the different style that the African runners have when compared to western runners. I came across the photo while looking up some of the characters from the Running with the Kenyans book.
Look how bent the leading leg of the front runner is and compare that with the runner behind. They both have long strides but the landing will be much different.
Running%20style.JPG


Neil
 
Well, I don't know. Some people stick shoes on kids at pretty young ages now. Not everyone ran around barefoot. We did at home, but my parents made me put on shoes whenever I went out to play, at least as far as I can remember back to age 3.
 
I think if you were barefoot long enough to do plenty of running, the forefoot style would remain your natural style. In first world countries most of us are in shoes before we start running for any practical purpose so our brains never develop the proper way to run. There are obviously a few runners that don't heel strike, it would be very interesting to study their backgrounds and work out why they don't if they had the same western upbringing.
Just passed a small milestone for me: I ran over 21km today, the first time in over 25 years, these bare feet can do amazing things.

Neil
 
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The arm height, swing, and distance to body is completely different too. And one has their back arched and the other does not, if anything their butt is tucked.
 
most babies are put in shoes before they can stand.
 
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I agree that most of us wouldn't have time to form our natural stride before having to deal with shoes as youngsters.
What I noticed about myself is that as soon as I started barefoot running my hands opened up and were more relaxed. What little shoe running I did before I always remember having clenched fists which is interesting. The African runner seems to have more of these "open" hands.
Jenny
 
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Both of my kids go barefoot whenever possible (inside and outside), when not barefoot they either wear Crocs or leather mocs. I am brand new to barefoot running, having just purchased a pair of VFF's then reading "Born to Run", so I am a little concerned about the Crocs now. I was kind of blown away watching my kids run around barefoot with near perfect form after watching videos of the "Pros". It's amazing and sad at the same time.

BTW, new member, first post, hello all!
 
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The shoes on babies thing is a neurological disorder that is passed on from one generation to the next and is enforced by anyone who has it. My grandparents were obsessed by it. Imagine Maryland in July. From the moment we woke up "put your shoes on. Your feet will get cold" ???? 90+ Cold feet?? I really think that shoes are a status symbol for most people and they hide it with phrases like that. God forbid we go barefoot like the poor kids.
 
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I agree with you Paintboy. My grandparents are amazed when I don't wear shoes. "Aren't your feet cold? You are going to catch pneumonia" is what my granny would say.
Drives my wife crazy, but I laugh when parents put shoes on babies. Just doesn't make sense to me.