WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT
“When we run barefoot and with proper form, we land on the balls of our toes. This dissipates the force of each step through our ligaments, tendons and musculature. The 28 bones in our feet work in harmony with our muscles to absorb shock and bounce back. This giant ‘spring’ is one of the great marvels of the human body.
“Running shoes, however, typically include heavily cushioned heels. This leads our brain to think ‘land heel first, it’s safest.’ The opposite is true. The calcenous or heel bone is magnificently designed for walking, helping us balance over any kind of terrain, but while running, our bodies are designed to disengage the heel. When we don’t, we lose the natural ‘spring’ created from toe running.”
“Barefoot Running: How to Run Light and Free by Getting in Touch With the Earth”
by Michael Sandler, with Jessica Lee
Note: Boulder resident Michael Sandler will conduct free evening clinics on barefoot running at several metro REI stores starting April 17. Visit for details.
