When you can’t run, what’s the next best thing to do?
Read about running!!
I have this funny quirk that makes me think if I read about something, I’ll automatically be good at it. (Remember “homework osmosis” by sleeping with a textbook under your pillow?)
Using that theory, when I hit the pavement again, I’m going to be a lightening fast ultrarunner!! (Right?!) If only that actually worked!
I’ve finally read what’s been called the greatest running book of all time. They weren’t lying.
I don’t even know where to start- it was inspiring, educational, and thought-provoking.
In case you aren’t familiar with it, Born to Run takes a look at a people called the Tarahumara- a tribe of Mexican ultrarunners. By observing this fascinating group of super athletes that eat 100 mile runs for breakfast, our technology-driven society can learn a lot.
The Tarahumara run in leather sandals that can hardly be called “shoes”, eat ground corn flour & ch-ch-ch- chia seeds….and don’t get tired or hurt.
![tarahumara-runner-300x225[1]](http://www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/tarahumararunner300x2251.jpg "tarahumara-runner-300x225[1]")
What, no Nike? No Gu?
After reading this book, I’m ready to toss my Nikes and Gu too. Ok, my Mizunos and Clif shots.
Barefoot running is everywhere these days. I used to think it was just weird. Why would companies spend millions of dollars designing the ultimate runner shoes, when the the best choice is to ditch them all together?
Well, yet again, nature wins. The same way we were built to eat natural, not-overly-processed foods, we were built to run the way nature intended.
![Kosinski%20Injured[1]](http://www.sideofsneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Kosinski20Injured1.jpg "Kosinski%20Injured[1]")
Did you know 8 of 10 runners are injured every year? I’m obviously one of them. Running shoes, apparently, don’t ‘defeat ailments’, as quoted from Born to Run. Shoes block pain, not impact. Interesting.
Research on running shoes has turned up zilch: even the best, most expensive shoe does not correlate to fewer injuries. In fact, the more cushioned a shoe is, the less protection it provides. I guess I’m a sucker for advertising, since I’ve been programmed to think the opposite. 
I’ve only just scratched the surface of this book. You’ll probably be hearing more about it in the near future as I go back through my dog-eared pages. 
Have you read Born to Run? What did you think? What’s your favorite running book?
{ 15 comments… read them below or chime in }
I haven’t read it but you just inspired me to put it on my book list for my birthday!
I loved this book. Seeing as I sell running shoes for a living, I’m not entirely sold on the barefoot running thing. I think it’s great for some people, but not everyone. I think my favorite running book is “Once a Runner.”
Ooo I love that one!!
Have you read the book “Ultramarathon Man”? It is awesome. Dean Karnazes is a freaking beast.
I feel like I’m the only one who hasn’t read tis book yet. I’m not sure that I will, but I know everyone loves it. I did read Ultramarathon Man and loved it.
Sometimes bloggers read my mind! I just announced yesterday that I am going to join the barefoot running movement…err…since I can’t run, I mean barefoot walking! Throughout this nerve thing in my ankles, doctors keep drilling into me to never walk barefoot, ice, and wear rigid orthotics. After I stopped icing, and wearing the rigid orthotics, I have felt SO much better. When summer started, I realized it felt better to walk around the house barefoot. I walked around the block barefoot yesterday and it felt AMAZINGLY better than with my running shoes on. I went twice as far as I can normally go (two whole mini-loops!!!). I go with, “do what feels better” for the most part so this is my new thing. I don’t think barefoot running is for everyone, but it’s like with anything…diet, exercise, etc….if YOU feel better doing it, then who cares!?
Haha yet another parallel in our lives
Doctors told me to never go barefoot, always be in supportive shoes, etc. I listened first, then realized it felt SO much better barefoot. I only wear shoes when I HAVE to now 
I’m leaving for the beach tomorrow and may have to pick this book up before I go – so many great reviews! I’ve heard so much about barefoot running, but transitioning can be pretty tough. I’m not there yet.
Right now I’m reading What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami and I’m really enjoying it. It’s a memoir, an easy read, and I’m having fun with it.
Oo I’ll have to add that one to my list!!
Oo I’ll have to add that one to my list!!
I’ve only just started taking an interest in running, I ran my first 5km last Sunday, but this book does sound interesting! I am finding that running is really helping me… with my fitness, toning and peace of mind (I sleep so much better after a run!).
I’ll keep this in mind to read!
i read it last fall. and i found it interesting but nothing mind blowing. i don’t think i’ll be jumping on the barefoot wagon anytime soon.it just seems so painful to me! i guess i have sensitive feet haha
I haven’t read this book yet, but seems like a lot of people come away with the same feeling you did. I’m not sure if reading it will make me want to run barefoot or not though. I just feel so much ‘safer’ in shoes.
I’ve been thinking about borrowing this book from a running friend of mine!
I’ve just started reading running books. I recently finished Bart Yasso’s book, “My Life on the Run,” and It was really enjoyable. I also read “Personal Record: A Love Affair with Running,” but I found that much less satisfying.
I got this book at the library but didn’t finish it in time. I need to go buy it and read it at my leisure. I have become increasingly more interested in barefoot running but I’m nervous to try it.