Archive for August 2010

“Early humans ran very comfortably without shoes. Research has proven that the barefoot strike pattern is much less stressful.” —Dr. Maura Isles, showing up for the “Massachusetts Marathon” in a pair of Vibram Fivefingers

My thanks to Kris Wood, who somehow managed to shoot this great video while dodging bikes and cabs and crossing two major bridges. Barefoot Run from Kris wood on Vimeo.

Tonight, Aug. 11, we’ll be greeted in Marcus Garvey Park and serenaded off by none other than M’Bemba, the Mali grand master drummer.

It’s going to be a toasty out there tomorrow. Water stops are going to be necessary but hit or miss, so make sure to bring a handheld, waistpack or hydration pack, like this or this. We’ll stop to refuel along the way, but with a group of 70-some (and counting) runners, everyone is going to…

Word Bookstore announced that everyone who makes the run will be admitted to the reading that night for free, waiving the $25 charge. That’s right: your sweat-funk just acquired a dollar value, and for one day only, one store in New York will be shoes-optional. Live it up.

What this isn’t: A race, a tough guy contest, or a trial by fiery sidewalk (although it’s supposed to be pretty stinking hot on Wednesday). What it is: A fun run. That, plus a celebration that the dismal days of being afraid of running are coming to an end. Fast, light-footed running has nothing to…

Out of the blue a couple of weeks ago, I heard from John Durant. You probably know him from the Colbert Report, or the New York Times profile of his urban-paleo adventures. We got to talking, and suddenly this is happening. I’ll update soon with more backstory and details, but for now, here’s what’s going…

Wow. In this remarkable interview , one of America’s top distance-running minds is suggesting that cushioned shoes are the cause of running injuries, not the cure. There’s no competing with Alberto Salazar’s credentials: he’s a former U.S. Olympian, a three-time New York City Marathon Champ and winner of both Boston andSouth’s Africa’s fabled 54-mile Comrades.…