Last week I mentioned that I wanted to research barefoot running because my legs hurt.  The Running Barefoot website has some excellent basic information about “How to Run”. Of course we assume we know how to run, however, most of us learned how to run in shoes, and our bodies were designed to run barefoot. Barefoot-Ken-Bob’s website has an extremely thorough explanation of exactly How to Run.

The point of learning how to run correctly is to avoid injuries. The majority of runners are crippled with injuries at some point. In addition, at least for me, changing the way I ran allowed me to run much further because I felt much better.

Here are a few key points from Barefoot-Ken-Bob’s instruction page…

1. Back straight (vertical torso)
2. Kness Bent
3. Lift the whole foot quickly and frequently
4. Relax, relax, relax

I decided to try running barefoot in my backyard and applying the  principles explained above. I was able to run a full mile and felt quite comfortable. For my longer runs on mostly pavement, I am still wearing my new $95 running shoes. They are pretty good. I am using the barefoot running technique even with my shoes on, as much as possible.

The author of Born to Run, Christopher McDougall loved to run but was having serious injury problems. He met a running trainer who explained, “Why is it that we learn correct technique for every other sport, except running?” Most people slap on a pair of sneakers and hit the pavement. There must be experts who could teach us a better way. If I am going to run a marathon in five months, I am going to need all the help I can get!

You can track your own training (including biking and swimming) at www.LogYourRun.com.

Run for a Cause

The Perfect Supplements family will be running their first marathon at the Disney Marathon in Orlando in January of 2011. We have decided to raise money for The American Cancer Society.

We chose the American Cancer Society because we believe that cancer is not just a health issue, but also an environment issue. Would you like to run for a cause? Join the Perfect Supplements for Perfect Health Team. You can join us at the Disney Marathon in January 2011, or walk/run/bike/swim at a local event near you. Joining the team allows you to raise money for the American Cancer Society, too.

Or simply donate at our team page! Perfect Supplements will match every dollar up to $500. Raise $50 and subscribe to our Perfect Supplements for Perfect Health Newsletter and receive a free team t-shirt.