11. The Rise of Minimalist Running
• Minimalist running has increased in popularity over the
past couple of years.
• One of the reasons for this has been the book Born to Run
by Christopher McDougall.
• Born to Run is about Mexico's Tarahumara Indians who run
barefoot or in tire-tread sandals.
• In the book Christopher McDougall suggests that
traditional, modern running shoes may be contributing to
many running injuries.
• There is no research evidence proving that modern running
shoes prevent injuries.
• Many modern shoe manufacturers have recently designed
footwear to mimic the barefoot running experience,
maintaining optimum flexibility and natural walking while
also providing a minimum amount of protection.
12. Pros and Cons of Minimalist
Running
Pros
• Advocates of minimalist running say that it results
in a more natural foot strike, and thus fewer
injuries.
• Running on your forefoot is more efficient and may
make you faster.
• Runners get a more natural running experience.
Cons
• Need to learn how to run properly in order to
prevent injuries.
• May result in different injuries.
14. Minimalist Running
• Increasing popularity over the last
couple years
• Born to Run by Christopher McDougall
– About Mexico's Tarahumara Indians
who run barefoot or in tire-tread
sandals
– Suggests modern running shoes
may be contributing to many
running injuries
• Many modern shoe manufacturers are
now designing footwear to mimic the
barefoot running experience
15. Pros and Cons
Pros
• More natural foot strike
• Increased efficiency
• Increased speed
• More natural running
experience
Cons
• Requires different “I can’t prove this, but I believe when
technique my runners train barefoot, they run
faster and suffer fewer injuries.”
• Potential for different
injuries - Vin Lananna, Director of Track and
Field for the University of Oregon &
seven-time NCAA Coach of the Year