The Barefoot Running Book - Jason Robillard [3]
This book will teach you how to run barefoot in a way that is simple, direct, and easy to understand. I do not make wild claims that barefoot running will turn you into an Olympic-caliber athlete or that barefoot running is free from potential risks. The pages are not filled with needless fluff. Well, there’s some fluff—I included my 2009 Hallucination 100-mile race report. It was the first 100-miler I finished and the culmination of my barefoot running efforts which are a testament to the information contained in this book.
I am just an ordinary guy of questionable athletic ability. But if I can finish a 100-mile race, you can also accomplish your running ambitions.
My goal is to teach you in the safest, most efficient way, and hopefully inspire you to accomplish extraordinary things.
Acknowledgements
This project would not be possible without the unconditional support of my wife Shelly. Your encouragement and love has changed my life. I will be forever grateful. I would also like to thank my crew at the Hallucination 100-Mile Run: Jason Saint Amour, Mark Robillard, Michael Helton, and Stuart Peterson. You guys helped me reach the loftiest of my goals. I would like to thank Rich Elliott for always being one step ahead of me in the crazy department and Pete Kemme for motivating and educating me about the art and science of physical conditioning. Dirk Wierenga deserves credit for turning this project into something truly special. I would like to thank Tamara Gerken, Joel Wermiel, Todd Johnston, Richard Knobb, Sharon Bylsma, Shelley Viggiano, Ngoc Bui, and Joe Kurnik for their contributions to this project; it would never have gotten off the ground without you. I would like to thank Tim Looney, Jeremiah Cataldo, and Phil Stapert. Your bits of ultra advice got me to the finish line. I would like to thank Ken Bob Saxton, Rick Roeber, and Ted McDonald. You guys were the pioneers that taught me in the beginning. I would like to thank the contributors to the Runner’s World® Barefoot Running Forum. You guys have taught and inspired me. Many of the ideas presented in this book are the direct result of our many conversations. Finally, I would like to thank the Flying Spaghetti Monster. His Noodly Appendages guided me throughout the creation of this project.
Disclaimer
The material contained in this book is for informational purposes only. The author and anyone else affiliated with the creation or distribution of this information may not be held liable for damages or injuries of any kind allegedly caused or resulting from the use of this material.
Before beginning this or any type of exercise program, it is recommended that you consult with your physician for authorization and clearance.
Furthermore, if you have any medical condition that affects the tactile sensations or blood flow to your feet or legs (diabetes, neuropathy, etc.), you should not attempt barefoot running.
The information contained herein is not intended to, and never should, substitute for the necessity of seeking the advice of a qualified medical professional. It is my sincere desire to provide information that enhances your running experience and allows you to reach your potential. This will only happen if you stay healthy, injury free, and use common sense.
Why Barefoot Running?
People run barefoot for a variety of reasons. I started running barefoot because of injuries incurred while running a 15K, a trail marathon, and a road marathon in traditional running shoes. As I discussed in the preface, I suffered blackened toenails, plantar fasciitis, chronically sore knees and hips, a reoccurring lower back pain, and shin splints. It was if I had aged 20 years! After doing some research, I decided to try barefoot running once a week. Within a week