Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)This book really explains what happens with your body when you walk and run. It goes into different gait types, different types of feet, common foot irregularities, and running form drills, then sets out a sample training plan.
Thus far, I've only read this book, ChiRunning, and Born to Run. The last really isn't a "How-To" book, but it still contains quite a bit of information. ChiRunning has a pretty cover, but you really have to sift through all the explanations of "Chi" to get to the running bit, and even then, it describes a running motion that seems unnatural. From page 1, Natural Running gives sound science-based explanations for how to run. Succinct, to the point.
Disclaimer: Natural Running is written by the founder of Newton Shoes, but there are very few references to it here. Abshire doesn't suggest that his shoes are the only, or even the best way to run with a natural gait. He mentions the Nike Free somewhat disparagingly, saying that it still has a rather raised heel, but mentions that nearly every other company is developing shoes aimed at a more barefoot feel.
The book does argue against completely barefoot running as a main training method, especially on pavement and trails, saying that the risk of cuts and stress fractures is too high. It does, however, suggest running barefoot on grass and other natural surfaces. Here in the Boston area, where pretty much every block has broken glass, I want _some_ protection, darnit.
Nice to know those form exercises I learned back in high school track really do work!
Click Here to see more reviews about: Natural Running: The Simple Path to Stronger, Healthier Running
Natural Running is the middle ground runners have been looking for. By learning to run the barefoot way—while wearing shoes—runners will become more efficient, stronger, and healthier runners. Backed by studies at MIT and Harvard, running form and injury expert Danny Abshire presents the natural running technique, form drills, and an 8-week transition plan that will put runners on the path to faster, more efficient, and healthier running.
In Natural Running, Abshire explains how modern running shoes distort the efficient running technique that humans evolved over thousands of years. He reviews the history of running shoes and injuries, making the case for barefoot running but also warning about its dangers. By learning the natural running technique, runners can enjoy both worlds—comfortable feet, knees, and legs and an efficient running form that reduces impact and injuries.
Natural Running teaches runners to think about injuries as symptoms of poor running form. Abshire specifies the overuse injuries that are most commonly associated with particular body alignment problems, foot types, and form flaws. Runners will learn how to analyze and identify their own characteristics so they can start down the path to natural running.
Abshire explains the natural running technique, describing the posture, arm carriage, cadence, and land-lever-lift foot positioning that mimic the barefoot running style. Using Abshire's 8-week transition plan and a tool kit of strength and form drills, runners will move from heel striking to a midfoot or forefoot strike.
Natural Running is the newest way to run and also the oldest. By discovering how they were meant to run, runners will become more efficient, stronger, and healthier runners.
