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(More customer reviews)This is the fourth book on barefoot running to appear in rapid sucession after Christopher McDougall brought worldwide attention to the subject with his bestseller, "Born to Run." Of the four, this one ranks at the top.
McDougall's quote on the cover of this book says it all: "Ken Bob [Saxton] is the master." During the 1990's Ken Bob discovered that he could run barefoot without the pain that he had suffered in shoes. He started the first web sites dedicated to running barefoot as well as a popular message board at Yahoo. Over the years he has freely shared his wisdom, wit, and enthusiasm with others interested in making the same transition and has mentored some of the other greats like Todd Byers, who recently completed his 100th barefoot marathon(!).
That alone was enough to encourage me to buy this book, but when I saw that his coauthor was columnist, author, and sports enthusiast Roy Wallack, I was convinced. Roy's book "Run for Life" is one of my all-time favorite books on running. So I had lofty expectations when I purchased Ken Bob and Roy's book online - and I was not disappointed.
Although the book is coauthored, it is narrated from Ken Bob's point of view. There are lots of interesting stories, historical accounts, and pearls of wisdom; the book is well-organized, informative, humorous, and entertaining. I also really like the big pages and illustrative color photos.
The book starts off with Ken Bob's personal account why he started running barefoot and how he discovered some of the important principles laid out here. After a chapter discussing some of the advantages of running barefoot vs. shod, the authors launch into the core of the book - roughly a third of the 239 pages - on running technique and drills for improving that technique. This is the best and most thorough discussion of "how to run" that I have ever read. Whereas traditional running books emphasize how to train and work out, this one focuses on on how to run and have fun.
Next comes a critical chapter about a big problem faced by many barefoot newcomers: doing too much too soon, or as the authors call it: "Barefoot Running Exuberance Syndrome." Transitioning from shod to barefoot requires patience and discipline, and here the authors give an important set of rules on how to "keep it fun."
Not unexpectedly, there is a cautionary chapter on the use of minimalist footwear. Here Ken Bob offers little compromise. Minimalist shoes, no matter how thin, still provide enough protection and support to allow you to run with poor style. If you wish to run in minimalist footwear, the approach emphasized here is first to learn to run properly in bare feet.
The authors then present evidence that running and training barefoot can improve performance. They conclude with a collection of stories, brief biographies, and testimonials of barefoot runners. I found this part the most enjoyable.
I am thankful to the authors for not making me wade through yet another chapter - standard among running books - full of charts, tables, and diagrams about how far I should run, how many times a week, and how often I should do hills, sprints, repetitions, and fartleks. Although they do provide a couple of small tables, their approach is entirely pragmatic and refreshing.
Also absent (thank goodness) are the standard chapters on stretching and cross-training (although the authors do recommend bicyling). All of the exercises described here are geared specifically to improving running technique.
How long does it take for a typical shod runner to transition to barefoot? The impression given here and in some of the testimonials is on the order of several months. However, it will not be so easy for everyone. I am now 18 months into this transition and am still challenged by three decades of self-inflicted damage from running in shoes. Fortunately, this book has given me a fresh jolt of ideas and inspiration.
If I could turn back the clock 30 years with the knowledge I have now, the very first thing I would do is remove my running shoes and throw them in the trash. Young shod runners today have an amazing oppuntunity to learn to run gently and without the pounding. Even many baby-boomers like me can still undo some of the long-term damage and have fun running - especially when learning from the master.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Barefoot Running Step by Step: Barefoot Ken Bob, the Guru of Shoeless Running, Shares His Personal Technique for Running with More Speed, Less Impact, Fewer Injuries and More Fun
Barefoot running has garnered lots of attention due to the mega-bestseller Born to Run while products like the Vibram® FiveFinger Shoes have tripled in sales and top athletic companies like Nike® and Adidas® are declaring barefoot running the next big thing. However, barefoot running involves more than simply taking off your shoes and hitting the track and Barefoot Running Step by Step teaches runners how to train their feet and body to run barefoot properly and in a way that will dramatically reduce injuries.
Barefoot Running Step by Step separates the facts from the hype covering the latest research and running techniques behind this key trend. Written by noted barefoot runner and instructor Ken Bob Saxton and running journalist Roy Wallack this guide outlines proper techniques for running barefoot properly and incorporating the practice into their running regimen for a better stride, longer endurance, and fewer injuries. Barefoot Running Step by Step is the most comprehensive book on the hottest athletic trend.
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