Born to Run

[craigepo]

I just finished reading this new, best-selling book, "Born to Run". I found the book absolutely fascinating.
My reason for this thread is this: As an old guy, who has covered thousands of miles in either jungle boots or running shoes purchased from the PX, I have had ingrained the idea that one must run fast. This author, writing about these freaky ultra-marathon types, proclaims just the opposite view: Run slow, barefoot, for long distances, and one will be in better shape, less injured, and happier.
Curious as to whether anybody has any experience as to this author's subject. (I wish I would have had a copy of the book to give to some of those fast old farts who drug us on speed runs in the Q Course and R.I.P.).

[MILON]

"Born to Run:...." is referring to a specific group of people, the Tarahumara, in Mexico, correct? I have never read the book, but I have read about them in several magazine articles, which only means I am aware of them. Because these abilities seem to be limited to one specific group I have to ask if its genetic related or training related. Certainly their ability has to do with both, which is no different than anyother human being's physical ability. Attached is an article posing a question about genetics and running performance, specifically targeting African runners who have found great success in distance events. Basically it points out that we have no way to prove a genetic connection to performance because we havn't identified the related gene YET, but when we look at their training, its different than what most countries are doing.

IMHO, slow distance running is a good thing and can be done if speed is not needed. But, if speed is needed (ie. hitting a deadline, 3-5 second rush, etc) speed training absolutely has to be part of the program.

Much of the research I have read about overtraining injuries has been connected to greater distances ran per week, especially in runners who progressed in mileage too aggressively. There were other factors as well, but distance seems to be the focus in this discussion. Certainly, running barefoot will increase the likelihood of injury. The author suggesting that "running slow, barefoot, for long distances and one will be in better shape, less injured, and happier" is a loaded statement, I believe. Does the book go into detail about their nutritional habits, cultural lifestyle, training, etc? I can guarantee if the majority of Americans up and tried running "slow, barefoot, for long distance" they would be quite the opposite of healthy and happy.

The Tarahumara are obviously extremely gifted endurance athletes and whatever they are doing to training is working for them. Does the book talk at all about how they train? What age do they start? How do they progress?

Just my opinion....

MILON

Note: the attached article was sent to me through email. Unfortunately, I am not sure of its source, but thought it interesting considering the discussion.

[Blitzzz (RIP)]

Here is a case of genetics/evolution in higher altitudes.
As I recall these are people of higer regions, lower Andes, I think.
I doubt running bare foot to be very beneficial, as these probably start in early youth walking bare foot, and have soles of their feet akin to tire tread. My guess.

[craigepo]

The Tarahumara are obviously extremely gifted endurance athletes and whatever they are doing to training is working for them. Does the book talk at all about how they train? What age do they start? How do they progress?

Just my opinion....

MILON

The author does a pretty good job of discussing training, genetics, a lot concerning evolution(not on a theological level). It seemed that their training began when they were young, and consisted of running very long distances in flat-soled sandals, as well as playing some long-distance field hockey-esque game.
At first blush, the barefoot thing sounded ridiculous. But after hearing the rationale, it started making more sense. One guy in the book(white american) ran an ultra in mexico barefoot(makes me cringe thinking about it). It sounds like a lot of folks are starting to do some barefoot stuff mixed in with other training, i.e. running on a football field for a couple miles a week.
Nonetheless, it was a fascinating book. As an oversized hillbilly/former road-marcher and runner, it was interesting to read about the outstanding engineering that goes into a human body

[testedone]

Along this same topic, another good book I read on running which after running with the more is always better mindset for the past 20 years...floored me...

"Run Less Run Faster"

I followed their guidelines and set a new PR for the 1/2 marathon, my best time was almost 14 years ago...


It challenged my whole view on running.....

Peace

[MILON]

Learning as much as you can about physical training is vital for people who live and die, at least in part, by their physical ability and capacity. Reading books is a great way to learn and I could list off several books I would recommend to anyone wanting to learn about training. However, we need to remember how fast pace the field of human performance is in regard to what we know. Even the workings of the muscle (Sliding Filament Theory) is only a theory. Many of the books out there have elements that are outdated by the time the book hits the stores. This does not mean the information in them isnt valuable and you shouldn't purchase them. But, I think reading the current research is just as important as reading books.

Using Ebsco Host, Google Scholar, Pub Med, etc are great ways to get current resources. I would also suggest limiting your search to peer reviewed articles within the last 5-10 years. This will help keep the information gathered more reliable and up-to-date. As a warning, research articles CAN be extremely boring to read unless your very interested in the material. Certain sections of the article may be more important to you if you dont care to read the article critically. Another focus may be Review articles because they research a variety of articles, condense the information and produce recommendations based on the information they found. Very helpful.

If you have never used some of these search engines, here a couple links:
http://scholar.google.com/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/

AKO has access to ebsco host and a variety of other search engines through My Library.

I realize this is getting away from the running focus of the thread, but IMO its something we need to think about.

With regards to running, testedone, I think if you do some reseach as mentioned above you'll find that there is much supporting the type of training that helped you. Glad its working for you!


MILON

[Costa]

From the Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/16/he...ion/16run.html