Don't know if I should move this to the Health forum or the Gear & Footwear forum. Hmmmm.
I'm guessing everyone in this forum is very interested.
Well, according to altra, barefoot running destroys your feet...
http://blog.altrazerodrop.com/tips/natural-foot-positioning-the-perfect-balance/
"Someone with bad joints could go do their long run barefoot and would likely have their joints feel the best theyever have…however, their feet will likely be destroyed."
Gotta remember, Rick; Altra doesn't position the self as 'minimal' or 'barefoot' shoes. They claim zero drop as the benefit while maintaining cushioning and 'protection.' I read that statement from the blog (haven't read the whole post yet) as someone just striking out on a bf long run without conditioning. Which could be worse for their feet.
Now, I'm an altrarian, or altran, or you know, a guy who runs in Altras, so my perspective may be swayed. I find myself gaining *most* of the joint and impact benefits I got into BFF for without exacerbating structural challenges in my feet that made going farther than four miles bare a near impossibility.
Horses for courses and all that jazz...
Perfectly stated, Woodsman. Our bones, tendons, muscles, etc., are weak from encasing them in casts for years and years, and when we first start going barefoot, but especially in minshoes, those weaknesses become exposed. People don't understand that it takes time to strengthen the foot from its weakened state.The article seemed to miss the critical point: It's not barefoot running that leads to the injuries; it’s all those years when you weren't barefoot.
Every “starting barefoot” piece of advice I ever read emphasizes the importance of transitioning back to barefoot slowly and cautiously. Injury comes from the years of atrophy and improper form from wearing shoes, which is why nearly everyone recommends starting full barefoot even if you intend to be minimalist. Your bare feet give you that all important feedback so you know when to ratchet it back some.
And if you don’t listen to what your feet are telling you, well, I think most of us have experience that at some level,
Since all of the injured were women, this make me wonder if the study did bone density scans before the study. MRIs are not typically used to determine bone density.10 weeks is probably too short in general and for many people they probably should be expecting more time than that. I often advise people to take up to a year. If you can do it quicker, then fine. Despite my age and body weight, I was able to do it in less than a couple of months! It is going to be very individual.
Is that study in a thread in our Studies forum, Sid? If not, can you add it there for me? I only ask you because you are the most up-to-date with that forum; not trying to be a pain in your hiney. I plan to expand our knowledge base. Thanks!Craig Payne, the researcher, did a very thoughtful writeup.
http://www.runresearchjunkie.com/bone-injury-and-the-transition-to-minimalist-running/
He also recommend a longer transition period.
Since all of the injured were women, this make me wonder if the study did bone density scans before the study. MRIs are not typically used to determine bone density.