I received an e-mail the other day from a running friend that talked about Vibram Five-Fingers LLC being named in a class action lawsuit. Here it is: http://www.examiner.com/wellness-in-chicago/vibram-fivefingers-shoes-named-lawsuit
I had to investigate more, and went to the best place I know to go to when news like this comes out. I wasn't disappointed. Ross over at The Science of Sport, crafted one of the most insightful, honest, and sensible posts on barefoot running that I've ever read. What excited me the most about this article, is that much of what he said is aligned with much of what I've said here over the last few months in regards to the barefoot craze. Though admittedly, his post is worded much more elegantly, touch home on the major points with poise, intelligence and with a zeal I couldn't even come close to. Check the link out below!
If you read any ONE of these articles below, it's the one from The Science of Sport. Don't miss it!
The Science of Sport:
http://www.sportsscientists.com/2012/03/vibram-shoes-named-in-lawsuit-danger-of.html
My favorite paragraph written by Ross states,
"The point is, all the answers, which are pretty important, that you can read on the package insert when you get prescription medication, are unknown for barefoot running. Yet it is still prescribed 'recklessly'.
And for this, I completely blame the polarization of the debate that allows extremist views to develop and thrive. It's perfect for the media and the 'zealots' who try to force their success on large groups of people without being open to the other side. And there are some who are more moderate - I apologize for lumping everyone together. But there are many who are not. They base their 'prescription' of barefoot running on their own success story, or at best, a group of runners who they have succeeded with, and suddenly, the entire running community is being told to take this "drug". It works. Maybe. In some people. If they get it right. Possibly. That's not good enough."
Human Potential Articles:
Hoka Hype (9.1.11)
Minimal Malpractice (8.5.11)
Barefoot Running (3.24.11)
I post my own articles not because I'm right or wrong.. But I always want to offer another perspective. I want people to THINK about what they're doing and who they're accepting "running prescriptions" from. Sure, the proof is in the pudding that running with a Forefoot strike is better for you then running as a heel striker. That's a no brainer.. but so many people jump on every band wagon that comes along looking for that next best, lazy, solution to their inability to train properly. I was a Heel striker in 2004. In 2005, I hired a personal trainer and I did specific workouts in the gym designed to change my stride and my gait. Not a fancy pair of shoes.
But hey.. we're Americans.. We need to own STUFF.
SJ
Monday, April 2, 2012
6 comments:
Comments to this blog are moderated by a third party. Any comments that could easily fall under the definition of "Cyber-Bullying" are promptly deleted. The author of this blog reads comments only after having been published for public view.
Cyber-Bullying is a crime punishable under Federal Law and in some cases Individual State Laws. By posting a comment to this blog, you acknowledge that you understand and accept these laws and are aware that you will be prosecuted for offenses under the full extent of these laws. By posting a comment to this blog you also agree to waive your anonymity, and any rights associated with that anonymity, by having your computers I.P. Address tracked.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Hmmm...I can't say I am surprised. EVeryone read Born to RUn and decided running *barefoot* was the way to go. Eh, I think there is a VERY small group of people who can naturally run in a minimalist shoe/barefoot injury free. That being said, I am a HUGE fan of the Hokas. Basically, because I would not be able to run without them. I was ready for knee surgery(part genetics/part Lyme Disease damage)and due to the *arthritis* I have from Lyme I run/ran in almost constant pain in my feet. Sports Med Dr. said there was nothing we could do other than Cortisone shots(steroids+Lyme=very bad) Running in the Hokas alleviates much of the pain I was experiencing prior in *regular* shoes(and I tried many a brand...)I am someone who literally cannot walk barefoot in my own home due to foot pain. I also pronate normally, but actually DON'T in the Hokas. Was a heel striker, not anymore. So...I may be in the minority, but I very much benefit from these shoes and would have had to potentially give up running(or undergo surgery...and still may have had to give it up)if it weren't for these shoes(they really need to sponsor me, no? lol)
ReplyDelete"I want people to THINK about what they're doing and who they're accepting "running prescriptions" from." --- this is a great quote... Kevin Fine,Lurker from From the Ulist!
ReplyDeleteSJ -
ReplyDeleteRunning Times had a great article this week on the topic with some balanced advice on how to evaluate your body for readiness. And, if you fail those test, they offered some PT type exercises to improve readiness.
I read through this article and I liked it, for the most part. I think he underplayed the potential for "coaching" and learning to forefoot strike. He seemed to suggest it was all or nothing and that it must happen within a "minimum required improvement". There are options that will blend the two. They just aren't as *easy* as simply buying a pair of shoes. My experience with runners that could be helped by switching or practicing forefoot striking is that they are not willing to dedicate the effort or the time. In addition to running, they often need to consider physical therapy and cross training for their feet, calves, and hamstrings. Perhaps these imbalances in their body is what the author suggests is a lack of "skill".
And, for the record, he also misrepresented the value of instruction in other sports. Both golf and tennis can be hard on the body with poor technique. Instruction in those sports is more valuable than just improving poor results.
AJ
http://news.runnersworld.com/2012/04/02/the-vibram-case-explained/
ReplyDeleteThanks Olga!
ReplyDeleteCount me as one of the success stories. Though I would never even think of running barefoot (skin is too precious) I did convert to a forefoot style of running over 6 years ago due to a serious ankle injury. It was the only way I could run but it didn't come easy, naturally or quickly. I tried to land on my forefoot but as soon as I lost focus I found myself back on my heels. Or I would just get too tired and revert to my old heel strike. But eventually, after months of trying, I no longer had to think about it and the distances I covered in a forefoot strike matched what I would normally run until I ran my first Wakely 50K in a forefoot running style. Mind you, I ran on "my toes" for 5 years before I bought my first pair of mins - Runamoc SMOOTHS. I still wouldn't even consider running barefoot and I still pull out my trail shoes for Wakely because rocks still hurt and I suspect they always will.
ReplyDelete