Christopher McDougall's Blog, page 20

"What the heck happened to his ear?"

While watching this video of Barefoot Tim doing his thing, I was struck by the way he embodied Coach Eric Orton's observation that Tarahumara runners move down-and-up, not up-and-down like the rest of us. I was keeping an eye on Tim's ear at the top of the frame to check this out. All of a sudden, his ear disappeared — shot right up out of the frame. From one stride to the next, he'd begun bobbing up and down. I couldn't figure out what the hell happened… until I looked toward the bottom of t...

Yijoo Kwon, super stud

In 1996, Yijoo Kwon faced a choice: get in shape, get injections, or die. He was 50 years old and had just been diagnosed with diabetes. But rather than opting for insulin injections, Yijoo began running. At an age when most men are giving up on exercise, Yijoo rapidly trimmed off weight, got his blood sugars under control, and transformed himself into an unstoppable ultrarunner. Since then, he's tackled some of the baddest challenges in the sport, like the Leadville and Western States...

"Born to Run" on Jeopardy

Luckily, a stunned friend was quick enough to grab a photo when this clue flashed on the screen Wednesday night on "Jeopardy." The contestant nailed it, too.

What is "Thunder Road"?

Luckily, a stunned friend was quick enough to grab a photo when this clue flashed on the screen Wednesday night on "Jeopardy." The contestant nailed it, too.

Menstrual-controlled running shoes, new from Asics.

No, seriously. I only wish I were kidding. Just when you thought the shamelessness of running-shoe scams had reached bottom, whaddaya know — they find new depths to the cesspool. Asics is kindly offering to sell you a $190 running shoe that will magically adjust its midsole to your menstrual cycle. Read on, and marvel at how the Asics flack gets this stuff out with a straight face.

If you weren't grouchy already, this'll do it.

Who needs speed?

In "Born to Run," I explore the idea that the reason we gather by the tens of thousands to run 26.2 miles through city streets isn't to survive the experience, but to share it:

The reason we race isn't so much to beat each other, he understood, but to be with each other… That's why the Tarahumara bet like crazy before a ball-race; it makes them equal partners in the effort, letting the runners know they're all in it together. Likewise, the Hopis consider running a form of prayer; they offer...

The Mafia Business Model

A few months ago, I wrote an article for Southwest Airlines in-flight magazine about the opportunity that natural running presented to running-shoe retailers. The only reason these stores exist is because the owners position themselves as experts. Now that it's becoming clear that the torque and excess cushioning in modern running shoes are harmful, what are they supposed to do? As a few storeowners have shown, the most lucrative response to the surge in natural-running  is also the most...

"But what about glass?"

Will the barefoot runner who has ever sliced his or her foot on a piece of glass please stand up? If you're able, of course. Because I'd love to meet you, mysterious and mythical stranger that you are. Anyone who runs without shoes is constantly asked about All That Dangerous Glass Out There! Take this comment from Kevin Kirby, the angry podiatrist who pops up  whenever natural-style running is discussed.

KEVIN KIRBY I have no problem with people who occasionally run barefoot on a safe...

Round 2 with Runcolo…

Run Colorado, the remarkably energetic and inquisitive running blog, was one of the first media outlets to take a look at Born to Run and ask some smart questions. Now, Simon is back for more. He's been picking up on some barefooting backlash and decided to separate the heat from the light.

Chia fever

the huffington post, oddly, today had one of the best discussion i've come across on chia, the teeny tarahumara wonder food.