The Barefoot Running Book First Edition: A Practical Guide to the Art and Science of Barefoot and Minimalist Shoe Running
The first thing to keep in mind when opening this book is that Jason has no intention of turning anyone into a barefoot runner overnight. Jason, like all barefoot veterans, emphasizes patience throughout and I urge you to heed his words. Although the book could be considered a quick read, you will find in the text that transitioning to barefoot or minimalist running is not for the instant gratification crowd. Just like training for your first marathon, it takes small steps and persistence. What this book gives you is an education about barefoot running. It also provides you a starting point and goals to aspire to along your path to embracing barefoot and minimalist running. Everything is simple and straightforward and guides you to running from the soul (double entendre intended!). Jason acknowledges that barefoot or minimalist running may not be for everyone, however even the most fervent running shoe salesman can walk away with something useful from the book. A wonderful advantage to this book is that it fits easily into a backpack and can be pulled out as reference material. For example, when stuck in a hotel room, I am able to retreive my copy and choose a couple of activities to promote barefoot running. Did I say activities? Yes I did. Jason provides a number of activities to help barefoot runners of all levels improve their technique and form. And that is what sets this book apart. There is plenty of information about barefoot running on the internet and elsewhere. But this book is a concise guide that takes you into the how and provides a map and the components to successfully transition from shod feet to naked feet or if you desire, minimalist footwear. --Last Mile Lounge ReviewThis book is small--both in page size (5.5 x 8.5 inches) and length (61 total pages). The cost is fairly minimal as well: $14.95. I guess a book on minimalist running should be minimal, eh? The book's shortness is both a blessing and a curse. If you are looking for an in-depth treatise on barefoot running, this is not your book. If you want a quick primer on barefoot running, then this book will provide a great collection of advice from a trustworthy and experienced author. For someone new to the minimalist landscape, Jason's book is an ideal entry point. It provides a rationale for why barefoot running can be a healthy and robust alternative to shod running. The book then takes the reader through a series of exercises and drills that should be done before going barefoot. This "pre-work" is important for eventual success in transitioning from shod to barefoot running and walking. After the "pre-running" information, Robillard advances through beginning, intermediate, and advanced barefoot running. He provides two basic 4-stage training schedules that should help runners conceptualize the transition from shoes to bare soles. --Chris' Ultra BlogThe book starts out with a graduated program for becoming a barefoot runner. I can attest to most of the advice given at the beginner and intermediate levels, because they are right in line with my experiences. The advice for the advanced levels of training is also completely consistent with everything I've read on the subject so far. The author also offers more general training advice that, in my opinion, is "spot on" for any type of runner, shod or unshod, who is interested in improving his or her performance. I was very happy to read his recommendation of emphasizing intensity over volume when training. I was also pleased to read his advice on getting adequate rest. The cross training advice was also excellent, and is based on the principles of CrossFit, of which I am also a strong advocate. --Ken Schafer, Pose running coachThis book is small--both in page size (5.5 x 8.5 inches) and length (61 total pages). The cost is fairly minimal as well: $14.95. I guess a book on minimalist running should be minimal, eh? The book's shortness is both a blessing and a curse. If you are looking for an in-depth treatise on barefoot running, this is not your book. If you want a quick primer on barefoot running, then this book will provide a great collection of advice from a trustworthy and experienced author. For someone new to the minimalist landscape, Jason's book is an ideal entry point. It provides a rationale for why barefoot running can be a healthy and robust alternative to shod running. The book then takes the reader through a series of exercises and drills that should be done before going barefoot. This "pre-work" is important for eventual success in transitioning from shod to barefoot running and walking. After the "pre-running" information, Robillard advances through beginning, intermediate, and advanced barefoot running. He provides two basic 4-stage training schedules that should help runners conceptualize the transition from shoes to bare soles. --Chris' Ultra BlogThe book starts out with a graduated program for becoming a barefoot runner. I can attest to most of the advice given at the beginner and intermediate levels, because they are right in line with my experiences. The advice for the advanced levels of training is also completely consistent with everything I've read on the subject so far. The author also offers more general training advice that, in my opinion, is "spot on" for any type of runner, shod or unshod, who is interested in improving his or her performance. I was very happy to read his recommendation of emphasizing intensity over volume when training. I was also pleased to read his advice on getting adequate rest. The cross training advice was also excellent, and is based on the principles of CrossFit, of which I am also a strong advocate. --Ken Schafer, Pose running coach