Barefoot Runners NYC

Tired of shin splints, tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis? More runners are realizing that fancy running shoes do more harm than good. Barefoot or minimal sole running leads to a more natural and healthier stride. var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-17348129-1']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })();

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Announcing the 1st Annual New York City Barefoot Run

It's time that the growing barefoot and minimalist running movement had an event of their own. Well, now we do.

I am pleased to announce the 1st Annual New York City Barefoot Run on Sunday, October 10th. Go barefoot, wear minimalist shoes, or even wear normal sneakers. The event will take place on beautiful Governors Island in New York Harbor, with stunning views of the Statue of Liberty, lower Manhattan, and the Brooklyn Bridge.

We have a stellar line-up of special guests:

Dan Lieberman, Harvard Professor and barefoot running researcher

Erwan Le Corre, founder of MovNat

Jason Robillard, author of The Barefoot Running Book

...plus all of your local hosts in Barefoot Runners NYC

It's not just a run and done.  Come on Saturday, October 9th for clinics in the park, we're planning some events for Saturday night, and enjoy the day at Governors Island on Sunday.  

Details here.  We're limiting space at 500, so register today.  Don't miss it -- the first time only happens once.

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Born to Run NYC recap

Wow, what an awesome event.  I really want to thank Chris McDougall for making all this possible. Totally unreasonable to expect 60+ people to show up during the middle of a work day on one week's notice -- and for many people, they only heard about it yesterday. And yet, there we all were.

We gathered in Harlem. We did a few drills, chilled to some next level beats (African drummers), and talked tips and tricks. Everybody has a story. You can just say: "So, what's your story?"  And they tell you. A injured knee, a new challenge, a fun time.  So much appreciation.

Ran through Central Park, even picking up a few people along the way. This time, we were the big group. And people jogging by might momentarily feel as if they're the odd ones who are running experiments on their feet.

Swarming down 60th St., across a packed Park Avenue, with gawking drivers.  Up the Queensboro and into Brooklyn.  Definitely more debris on the sidewalk in Brooklyn -- pebbles and glass. Can someone sweep Brooklyn please?  

Arriving at Word to water, watermelon, and donuts courtesy of Word Bookstore.  Beers in the park.  A packed book talk and signing.  McDougall spreading the love.

Running should be fun.  This was fun.

More photos here.  Participant feedback here.   

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Here is an awesome video of our run by Kris Wood, one of the participants.  Great clips at the beginning, middle, and end.

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The New York Post covers Born to Run NYC, our epic 8-mile run from Harlem to Brooklyn with Christopher McDougall, author of Born to Run.

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Final updates for run with Christopher McDougall

Runners! Get psyched for tomorrow.  Please read a few last minute updates and details to prepare for a great run. John

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August 11th: 8-Mile Barefoot Run with Christopher McDougall

Join Christopher McDougall, author of "Born to Run," and John Durant, founder of Barefoot Runners NYC, in an epic barefoot run from Harlem to Brooklyn. Run barefoot, near-barefoot, or fully shod but barefoot curious. Rediscover the fun of running barefoot, and tap into the natural quickness and strength buried in your soles. We'll party in the park before and after, and every step of the way.  The full run is 8 miles, but feel free to join for any part of the run -- see course map for meeting points.

Chris will be giving a book talk at Word Bookstore, just near the finish, at 7:30pm.  The cost is $25 (and includes the book), but there is no obligation for runners to attend.

Click for ROUTE MAP

Start: Marcus Garvey Park (NW corner at 124th and Mt. Morris Park)

Time: Run begins at 4pm. Runners will begin gathering at 3pm.

Route: Join us anywhere along the way.  We'll be entering Central Park at Malcom X and 110th.  We'll be running on East Drive all the way down through Central Park.  We'll be exiting Central Park at 60th St. and 5th Avenue.  Then crossing the Queensboro Bridge to Brooklyn

Finish: American Playground, near Word Bookstore at 126 Franklin Street, Brooklyn (Franklin and Milton)

RSVP: To sign up for the run, please RSVP at Barefoot Runners NYC

Media Inquiries: Please contact Christopher McDougall or John Durant.

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Great segment on the Today Show this morning!  There was a nice contrast between an over-engineered faddish shoe (toners) and a simple, back to nature alternative: minimalist and barefoot -- the way we were born to run.

If you're new and want to learn more, we have a Free Beginner's Workshop on Sunday afternoon in Central Park.  Just visit our Meetup group (link at right) and sign up.  More information below for those who just want to learn more about barefoot running.

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Coming Soon: Barefoot Runners NYC on The Today Show

              Look for the upcoming segment on footwear trends, comparing toner shoes to Vibram Five Fingers (VFFs).  Peter Alexander, the Today Show correspondent, will slip on a pair of VFFs and take a run with Barefoot Runners NYC in Central Park.

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This is a superb video demonstrating what's wrong with modern running shoes and heel-striking -- and how to run with a more natural stride.

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10 easy steps to barefoot running

1. START SLOW. Your foot muscles and soles are weak and must strengthen.   

2. Start totally barefoot on a hard, smooth surface. You will learn better form.

3. Do not land on your heel.  Heel-striking is unnatural and causes injuries.

4. Make contact with your forefoot first (front-foot or mid-foot strike).

5. Allow your heel to come down.  Do not run on your toes!

6. Shorten your strides.  Increase your cadence (how many footsteps you take).

7. Lift your legs with each stride and glide, don't push off with your quads.  

8. If it hurts, adjust.  If it still hurts, stop running for the day!

9. As Barefoot Ken Bob says, "Relax, relax, relax!"

10. Have fun!

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Additional resources on barefoot running

Barefoot Runner 101 and tips to get started

Zen Habits' The Complete Beginner's Guide to Barefoot Running

Harvard Professor Dan Lieberman's work on barefoot running

Born to Run - Christopher McDougall's best-seller on the Tarahumara 

RunBare - Michael Sandler, author of Barefoot Running

The Barefoot Running Book - Jason Robillard's excellent, concise guide

Barefoot Ted - Featured in Born to Run

Barefoot Ken Bob - Completed over 75 barefoot marathons

Hunter-Gatherer - Evolutionary perspectives on health by Barefoot NYC organizer, John Durant

Birthday Shoes - Vibram Five Fingers fan site

MovNat courses led by Erwan LeCorre