Running Barefoot

I don’t enjoy the way it feels
To run; I always bruise my heels.
But running (so I hear) appeals
To most of you, I know.
The thing I did not understand
Is, running, on the dirt or sand
Is better if I try to land
Not on my heel, but toe.

This “running” that I’ve often cursed
Is harmful, if you land heel first;
Initial impact is the worst—
Three times your weight, and Ouch!
I’m thinking now, it might be fun
To check this out, to take a run!
Just one thing keeps me from the sun—
I really love my couch!


It's all over the news-I saw it last night on TV, today on the Beeb, and over at Laelaps (and I'm sure I'll see more). In addition, Cuttleson just finished the book, and is a new convert.

Hey, I am a big fan of barefoot. My neighbors have caught me out getting the paper, having walked barefoot through the snow to get to the box; in summer, shoes are evil. So this is a nice finding--but I have to admit, I have seen a lifetime's worth (or not quite yet) of ads for running shoes--enough to avoid an "I knew it all along!" response. I think the ads convinced me. But hey, new evidence, new conclusions, for couch potatoes as well as science.