May 26, 2010 - Minimalism!

Yo run gang,

While playing (running) in the woods this morning, I was again reminded that running really is play time, an escape from the so called "important" activities of this adult life. Running gives us time to be ageless, a time to put our mind, body and soul into an activity with little practical value ... NOT! The late runner philosopher Dr. George Sheehan once said, "running is like religion and play, it resembles art and music, filling an area of life with great importance ... perhaps one of our most important functions, helping us discover and form the self, a place of self discovery"... Running really does ROCK!

Minimalist running is all the craze and the Vibram 5 Toe shoes are leading the retail end of the charge, basically a rubber glove of a shoe, allowing one to run barefoot with some protection of the foot. We don't suggest you go out and start putting in your miles in 5 Toes but to slowly work your way up as the foot strengthens. Running in 5 Toes will help teach your body proper form and will increase foot strength, a worthwhile addition to the runner's arsenal, not to mention, they are just plain fun to kick around in!

Do I dare include a link to a banned Nike ad for minimalist shoes and "Natural" training, we're talking about the "Bare" basics here ... What the heck, (youtube.com/watch?v=m474JNTLKnQ ) If you find this fun, join us at runwoodstock.com .

Get out and play,

Randy Step, an obsessed runner who's idol is Peter Pan!