The Barefoot Running Book - Jason Robillard [68]
Todd Ragsdale:
Barefoot ultramarathon runner who in June of 2010, broke the Guinness World Record for farthest distance covered in 24 hours while barefoot.
Steven Robbins, MD:
Prominent researcher on barefoot running. Steven began publishing his barefoot research in 1987. His website (http://www.stevenrobbinsmd.com/home) contains the full text of his research.
Julian Romero:
The elder barefoot Romero brother has dominated marathons by routinely posting sub-three hour times repeatedly. Julian also placed second in the Duke City Marathon.
Alex Romero:
The younger barefoot Romero brother also has multiple sub-three hour marathons to his credit, including a win in the Duke City Marathon.
Leif Rustvold:
Barefoot and minimalist shoe ultramarathon runner, Leif has run a 100-mile race in Vibram Five Fingers. His “Distance Minimally” blog documents his adventures (http://www.distanceminimally.com)
Michael Sandler:
Author of the excellent barefoot running book Barefoot Running: How to Run Light and Free by Getting in Touch with the Earth. Michael is also a barefoot running educator and founder of runBARE (http://runbare.com), a barefoot running school in Boulder, Colorado.
Shivnath Singh:
Considered India’s greatest distance runner, Singh was also known for competing with only tape on his feet. In international competition, he won a gold medal and five silvers.
Jason Spooner:
Barefoot runner best known for his high mileage training, Spooner routinely runs more than 100 miles per week barefoot, including a 155+ mile week. He has also run a sub-three hour barefoot marathon.
Patrick Sweeney:
Barefoot/minimalist runner from Manhattan Beach, California. Sweeney won the Palos Verdes Marathon in 2010 while wearing Vibram Five Fingers. He is also an accomplished ultramarathon runner.
James Webber:
Barefoot runner from Kalamazoo, Michigan, James routinely places at or near the top of every race he runs, making him one of the fastest barefoot runners in the United States. His accomplishments include a 2:46 marathon.
Finding Other Barefoot and Minimalist Shoe Runners
Until a few years ago, most barefoot runners lived a lonely existence. While there were a handful of “barefoot hotspots,” most of us toiled in obscurity. For myself, I ran barefoot for four years before I had the opportunity to run with another barefoot runner.
The rise in popularity of barefoot running has led to two major changes. Since there are more barefoot runners, there is a great likelihood you will encounter others. Also, many barefoot runners maintain a presence on the Internet, which can be a wonderful resource to learn from. The Internet also provides an opportunity to meet people in your area.
In the fall of 2009, several barefoot runners, myself included, decided to help facilitate the meeting process by forming the Barefoot Runners Society (http://barefootrunners.org). The organization is a non-profit organization with chapters around the country. Odds are good that a chapter exists in your area. If not, contact the BRS leadership and inquire about starting a local chapter.
Barefoot Running Testimonials
The following stories come from members of the Runner’s World Barefoot Forum. Each has a different story to share about how barefoot running can be a wonderfully rewarding experience.
“For me, barefoot running re-introduced a childhood-like joy that had been missing most of my life. There is little to compare with the feeling of the ground beneath your bare feet as you are quietly and softly running along. I feel more connected with nature and myself. And I’ve saved countless hundreds of dollars over the last decade on unnecessary shoes and socks! So, for me, I run barefoot for the pure joy and fun of it. I can’t even imagine running any other way anymore.”
—Victor Palma
“I have Morton’s Neuroma, a pre-running condition. It really started to bother me when I increased my mileage. One day I was out running a 10K distance with my hubby who was pushing our