Running in America
http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2010-07-12/running-america
Millions of Americans run to lose weight, stay in shape or relieve stress. But many suffer injuries that keep them off the road and out of commission. A look at barefoot running and other trends gaining traction.
Guests
Christopher McDougall
former war correspondent for the Associated Press. He is a three-time National Magazine Award finalist and author of “Born to Run - A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World has Never Seen.”
Dr. Stephen Pribut
has been in private practice in Washington, D.C. since 1980. His practice specializes in Podiatric Sports Medicine, Biomechanics and Foot Surgery. His sports medicine web site has been a resource for millions of visitors since 1995.
Amby Burfoot
won the 1968 Boston Marathon and has been a Runner’s World editor since 1978. He has run more than 103,000 miles in his life and continues to run the Boston Marathon on every 5th year anniversary of his victory. He has finished the same Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot 47 years in a row.
Comments
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I have been running for 30 years. About five years into it, my (then) internist told me to stop running or I would ruin my knees. I changed doctors. I am now in my early 60s. People are SHOCKED when they hear this since apparently, I look much younger. Exercise is a fulcrum of my life. Running is key.
The best advice is Listen to Your Body. If your body tells you to walk for a while, do it. If your body tells you to push it up a notch, do it.
I stretch lightly before running. Then I run about 1/2 mile (it's uphill) and stop and stretch more diligently. Then I complete my run. After, I stretch more.
I have cut down on running by cross training -- hiking, biking, walking and strength training 4-5 nights a week at the gym. I think this has helped prevent boredom and stress fractures. I plan to run as long as I'm still breathing!
I ran a LOT in high school and college. (20 years ago). But more recently I've tried to start running again and have had lots of little aches and pains. I don't know if it's that I'm so out of practice or that I'm now in my late 30s. I read Born to Run and have started running barefoot and in Vibram FiveFingers. Other than some soreness in my calves (which I totally understand since running barefoot uses my calf muscles much more than heel striking)- I'm loving it. I feel much more "in tune" with my environment. My feet are stronger than ever before and my legs are getting stronger everyday.
It may not work for everyone- but it sure works for me.
I am not a competitive runner; I jog for fitness. Although I'm slow, I've suffered knee, hip, and back pain. I always thought that I needed lots of padding. I couldn't walk around the house barefoot, especially after a run. After a run walking barefoot was painful - it felt like each bone in my foot couldn't handle my weight. Then I heard about barefoot running. It makes SO much sense. We evolved to run. For millions of years, we ran on every kind of surface - in bare feet or very loosely shod feet. "Support" wasn't something ancient man needed.
I transitioned gradually running barefoot on the grass around a nearby field. It felt great! I increased my barefoot grass running and ran barefoot on my treadmill. On one long shod run, I stopped and removed the inner linings from my running shoes to eliminate padding. I can't afford Vibrams, so I just went out for a run - on the pavement! - with bare feet! It was MARVELOUS!! I use my feet differently when I run barefoot - I don't land on my heel. I use my whole body differently. I can't cheat like I can when I wear my soft running shoes but I got tired faster barefoot because I was using more muscles.
Into my third mile of that first barefoot run I realized the pads of my feet were blistering and chafing. I managed to get home on grass. IMO, the issue is settled. Barefoot wins. Water shoes offer me protection from rocks and glass while giving me a perfect barefoot experience. I even do my indoor step aerobics routine in bare feet!
My hip and knee problems are almost gone. I am careful and watch for problems. But right now I can walk around my house barefoot and it feels great. Humans weren't meant to wear shoes, I am convinced.
Christopher,
I - like most every other runner in Austin - read your book and loved it!
I've been running about 30 years now. I've noticed recently that the more worn down my shoes get, the fewer aches and pains I suffer. I run about 25 miles per week around our lovely Ladybird Johnson Lake. Based just on that information, do you think I might be a good candidate for a something like the Nike Free?
Jon
Austin, Tx
I have been a runner for 16 yrs. I haven't read born to run, I just accidentally found it on a search engine about barefoot running. I am always barefoot everywhere from spring to fall, and then in my vibrams. I had a bad knee injury three years ago. I didn't think I could run again without aggravating it and bringing it back up. I thought why not barefoot, I am already barefoot anyway. I googled it and founs runners world barefoot forum, and Barefoot Runners Society! I have been running barefoot for 8 months now injury free and loving it. I also hike barefoot as well. It keeps my feet strong and healthy ;)
Any knee or back problems for your guests?
Just a clarification of a comment Christopher McDougall just made on air... He said the Maya and Aztecs fought back to the Spanish and thus there are no more Maya and Aztecs. This is not true. There are millions of speakers of the many Mayan languages and of Nahuatl, the language of the Aztecs (also known as the Mexica). These millions of people are descendants of the civilizations that were in the Americas when the Spanish Conquistadors came. They have not disappeared.
i'm a 72 man who has been slow running-jogging for years--lately in a brand of shoe called "nike free"--almost like running barefoot. my 3rd toe is developing a side-ward bend towards a "hammer toe." doesn't hurt but looks like it may turn into a bunion site. would running barefoot help me? Thanx.
fuji
I find it interesting that there are no women on the panel! I am a woman runner--just finished a half marathon in April (have run for the past 30 years--had both knees scoped seven years ago--no problems with knees!). As a woman, I would never consider running barefoot. However I have just been diagnosed with a somewhat common running injury: achilles tendonitis. What would your panel recommend for someone who is recovering--barefoot running or investment in "more cushioned" running shoes? I was told to stop running by my doctor.
My wife has a small fractior in her toe from a year ago that still has not healed and prevents her from her usual jogging. Her foot doctor says that there is nothing that can be done and it must heal on it's own. She prefers running over swimming and biking. Is there anything she can do to get back to running or to heal her toe?
i'm 56,and work in a aircraft factory with cement floors,i had heel pain for a few decades, i had gotten cortizone shots in the heel,a couple of times, and was fitted for custom arch inserts a couple of time's they lasted about 8 years.
i went to a podiadrist and got exercise's for it, but i still had pain
i rediscovered earthshoes, i had bought some in the 70's but they were too ugly to be acceptable.
but in about 2000 i disovered their website, with several styles, i wore them the two weeks that they said to get use to them, and ever since then i have never had heel pain, or back problem's
the leather one's were hot, but the styles with webbing are much cooler.
i even had a pair turned into dance shoe's
but i've never run in them, would there be a problem?
I'm 27 and I've run about 4 days a week for the past 5 years. I average about 4 miles a day. If I run more than 6 miles my knees start to give -- which I found out running the Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot 10k here in Dallas.
I mainly run for heart health and weight management. I like to do interval training from time to time, which I heard is an effective way to burn fat. Living in Dallas is not conducive to barefoot running unfortunately, so I have no comment on that, though I imagine I would do it if I lived in a coastal city.
Running isn't just good for your physical health, it's good for thinking or for clearing your head too. It's the most basic and natural exercise that comes to human beings (other than walking) and anyone that can, should!
I quit smoking because I started running. I got so excited into the races and decided that if I smoke less and less will do better running. That was back in 2000. Since then I have had two bunion surgeries, run several half marathons and still keep running almost everyday. However, I notice that my feet get swollen and I feel tired faster than before. Of course age is a factor (I am 41 now). My question is what do you suggest for me to increase my stamina. I want to keep running the rest of my life!
Thank you,
Maria
Excellent show, Diane, and one you may be proud of having. Thank you.
I use a pair of shoes FROM The Sixties - an old pair of Adidas 'waffle bottom' minimal shoes. They are still good and I've saved money by keeping them - THANK YOU FOR The Support To Make Short Strides - THAT, I have found, is The Best Injury Prevention!
What about treadmill running in barefeet vs outside running?
I love Chris McDougall's "Born to Run." After reading it from the library I puchased a copy and have lent it to several friends to try to get them interested in exercising again.
I am 2 months from being 67. I ran regularly until I was about 45 years old. After I stopped my weight crept up from about 158 to 198. As I am only 5'9" that was too much. I had a physical in October, 2008 at which time my Doctor told me that I had elevated blood sugar and bad colesterol as well. Fortunately my blood pressure and pulse have always been on the low side.
I began exercising again, first by walking for an hour around my neighborhood. By the beginning of 2009 I had lost only 4 pounds but my legs felt stronger. On January 3rd, 2009 I started running again on my favorite trails in the woods. The topography is uneven, with many hills, but fortunately relatively sandy. Over the next nine months I lost another 36 pounds for a total of 40. In addition to running I also dieted, cutting back on meat, starches, sweets and salty snacks. However, I did not go hungry as I ate lots of salads and other greens. I brought lunches from home to maintain control over what I ate. Wheras I always had eaten meat, vegatables, and starch in the evening, now I only ate salad and vegetables, but plenty of them. The dieting and exercise became synergistic, and I've maintained my weight since October, though now I'm trying to lose a few more pounds.
At my physical in April, 2010 my blood tests were all back in the normal range.
I run for an hour to an hour and a quarter five days a week. In the winter it was difficult to have enough day light so I puchased a headlamp which enabled me to run the full distance.
Thanks to you and your panel for this discussion.
I started running in high school as a cross-country runner. I went to a poor public school system and ran with free shoes issued by the school. I ran into my adult life, but injured my knee and it hurt for years after any athletic activity. About 5 years ago, I purchased a high end running shoe for over-pronation (Brooks Addiction) at the advice of salesperson at a specialtiy running store. Best shoe I've ever run in. I experience no pain now when running. But, I'm open-minded about running techniques and gear.
I am now a volunteer coach of youth track and field (www.destined2run.org). What recommendations would your guests have for running various distances - sprints, middle distance, distance?
Also, what roll do socks play in running today?
Thank you.
Just twisted my ankle in a padded all terrain outdoor shoe with arch support pads,
got in my car to hear your guests say I should be barefoot.
Now what?
I am home with ice on my ankle.
It's a simple ankle roll but I need to be able to walk
in my job tomorrow.
What should i do?
Ice then heat?
Just twisted my ankle in a padded all terrain outdoor shoe with arch support pads,
got in my car to hear your guests say I should be barefoot.
Now what?
I am home with ice on my ankle.
It's a simple ankle roll but I need to be able to walk
in my job tomorrow.
What should i do?
Ice then heat?
I second Brenda's question. I was told that treadmill running contributes to bad form and induces the risk of injury. Do your guests agree?
I am currently reading, 'Born to Run', and am really enjoying it. I'm just now learning how to love running, instead of just forcing myself to do it. I started competing in triathlons last year, and a book like this is really an inspiration - thanks for writing it. On that note, can you tell us a little about your next book?
I am 42 years old and have been running for 2 years. After trying to work on my form with little success, I finally purchased a pair of Vibram 5 fingers this weekend.
They are indeed the ugliest shoes I have ever worn. However, in the small amount of time I have worn them, I already feel small things going on in my arch, Achilles and calf muscles. I don't plan on doing a lot of running in them, but want to use them to strengthen my feet after years of very padded and supportive running shoes.
I have already suffered one ruptured Achilles, 4 years ago, and never want to repeat the injury as I plan on running until I'm too old to continue.
Vibram 5 Fingers SAVED my running! After years of running with knee &hip problems, I switched to Vibram & the Chi Running Method. It is 15 months later and my feet and calves are stronger than ever, my knees and hips are happy and my mind is free to roam while I run pain-free!
Please remember that the key to succes is patience, start slow! I was running 6-8 miles in tennis shoes when I switched but found I could only run 1 mile in Vibram shoes before my feet and calves began to ache. Now, I run 10+ miles with no problem but it took me 12 months of slow training to get here!
I live in Utah and run everywhere, roads, trails, mountains, everywhere in my "hobbit feet" Vibram shoes.
I am almost 40. I started running when I was 20. I was never an athlete but now run sometimes 12 miles after starting out as someone who was red faced and panting after only a mile. I love what it does for my mind most of all. That time of day with me and my dog and the great outdoors I believe does for me what others are getting from Prozac and the like. I have noticed that in the past couple of years I'm having more pain in my knees and ankles, meanwhile, I seam to love/need running more than ever. My question is, what is the best way to find a doctor who will give me the same kind of care and consideration that I am hearing from your guests today...I don't want to ask my gyno what to do about my knees and ankles...it seems like most say, "Quit running." Thanks, love your show! Jacqueline...Raleigh, NC
I used to be an avid runner and once ran a marathon. Whenever I had a food injury I revwerted to a book called The Running Foot Doctor it was always spot on. The cure for achilles heal is an arch support. The book is probably out of print.
I have been running for about 8 years. I played soccer for six of those years and never had much problem. For about the past two years my knees and feet have suffered from foot pain and knee pain when I run. I went to a "running expert" and I was told to get shoes with a lot of support. I've bought some recommended shoes but the problem hasn't gotten much better. Any suggestions. The expert told me I have over pronation.
Hi,
My husband has flat feet and he's had terrible foot pain since he can remember. He practices Karate and runs several times per week. One time he ran barefoot for 4 miles and when he returned, his feet were blistered up and his skin had come off on several areas. He was not able to train for several weeks.
Is there an advise to this?
Thank you.
I just tuned into Diane's show and heard you over the air!! I just want to say that I am in the middle of Chris McDougall's book. It is an incredible story and adventure. I have been running for over 20 years and became injured when I ran the 2008 Chicago Marathon. I have never had any sort of running injury so I am going to try a new approach thanks to your book.
I have chondromalacia in my knees. I've attributed it to wearing thin soled shoes while doing lots of walking on concrete jungle city sidewalks. Wearing thicker soles have greatly helped. I don't blame the shoe, I blame the modern construction.
But a few years ago I was in Madagascar. On pavement, rickshaw pullers ran barefoot. I was amazed. An outsider might think that giving a boat load of shoes to these 'poor' people would be the charitable thing to do. I argued that that was a short-sighted response - maybe shoes would increase foot fungus. Assuming what our culture has will be good for another is mass-egotism.
Then I hear on NPR that running barefoot is actually better! Maybe I was right but for the wrong reason.
Now, what to do about my chondromalacia???
Could your experts comment on a dysfunctional posterior tibialus? It causes me a myriad of symptoms..muscle imbalances..gait problems, etc. This was diagnosed 15 yrs ago...use orthodics. would minimalist shoes do more damage?