When we talk about the secrets of running, we mean how to run pain free for long periods of pain. We’re talking about how to limit the risk of a sprained ankle, knee pain, low back pain, etc… The modern man does not know how to run naturally. We rely on heavy padding in our shoes and that has taught us to run incorrectly. And when you do something incorrectly, pain and injury are sure to follow.
Did you know that with the advent of the modern running shoe in the 1970s, running injuries began to skyrocket? And people think that with every passing year, the sole of the modern shoe will only become more more advanced and safer. Actually, it’s the opposite…
The more gel and air and cushion in that super expensive shoes, the worse it is for you. Here’s why…That cushion gives you a false sense of security. It allows you to land on the heel of your foot. And that is basically just bone. All that padding is teaching you to land on the bone where there is actually nowhere near enough cushioning in that shoe to protect your body. So you know what actually takes the impact of all that running force? Your knees and low back.
Try running barefoot for a minute and see if you can land on your heel. Probably not for more than a few steps. You will find you naturally start running on the balls of your feet and guess what? that is the natural way to run. So, get rid of those expensive running shoes, or just rip out the insole entirely. Or better yet, try some shoes with very thin padding on the bottom of the shoe, but have a lot of flexibility for your feet. We recommend Vibram Five Finger’s or Nike Free shoes. And take a look at this great video below, created by the author of the H.E.M. Sprained Ankle Rehab System for a great visual of what we are talking about in this article.
