http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100409/A_NEWS/4090320/-1/A_NEWS and my poor co-workers got to hear an earful from me about barefoot running.
Granted, this article is not referring to barefoot "running". Additionally, I am NOT opposed to individuals in any country, let alone a developing country, not having access to shoes. However, the article cites the "health risks" of being barefoot without even explaining what those "risks" are. Now, I can see that children or adults wading through some toxic trash heap without shoes is not healthy in any way, shape or form. However, maybe the real issue there is that there is a toxic trash heap in their neighborhood, NOT that they are barefoot. I would imagine that wading through a toxic waste dump with shoes is just as unhealthy.
I plan to write a letter to the editor to bring our message of healthy, strength building barefoot running!!! GO Barefoot Runners Society!!!
UPDATE: Letter was published on 4/23/2010. Here is the link to the newspaper. It was edited slightly, but not much.
http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a
My letter to the editor:
ReplyDeleteRecently, the Record ran an article about Delta College students that went barefoot to bring awareness to “the health risks caused by a lack of shoes in developing countries.” Yet, the article did not specify the health risks involved. However, I would like your readers to know that there are a lot of health benefits to be gained by going barefoot - stronger muscles, increased blood flow to the legs, relaxation of the foot muscles, benefits to those with flat feet, and more. There are reasons that people studying yoga, tai chi, and martial arts go barefoot. Marathon runners from various African countries often go barefoot. Abebe Bikila broke the Olympic record for the marathon in 1960 racing barefoot. There is a growing movement of barefoot runners in the United States and around the world. I am a proud member of the recently established Barefoot Runners Society - a national group that promotes the benefits of barefoot and minimalist running around the country. I have run several marathons and half marathons with shoes. However, I have recently begun running barefoot. I love it and will never return to regular running shoes. I am also training for my first barefoot half marathon in May. So, if you see a crazy guy running around town barefoot, it’s probably me - Barefoot Terry