The Barefoot Academy

Looking for advice and info on barefoot running? I am currently in New Zealand setting up The Barefoot Academy (www.thebarefootacademy.co.nz) but I'm still available by email for any barefoot help, including coaching - I have coached various runners all around the world via the wonders of the web so even though I am no longer in Cornwall please still get in touch. Even better come and visit us in sunny NZ!

Barefoot?

BAREFOOT RUNNING

The most common question I am asked on a near daily basis is...why barefoot?

So here is an answer to start you thinking...

As in all skill sports, correct technique is vital if you want to become proficient and avoid injury. Running is no different, although most of us don't consider having lessons in running.

In theory we shouldn't need to learn how to run as we are born with the innate ability to move quickly across the ground in an efficient manner - watch a toddler running around barefoot and their feet will contact the ground on the forefoot. Then watch amateur adult joggers pounding the streets and you will see an injurious form of motion that is not at all natural - landing on the heel while running is not what we are designed to do and as well as putting the brakes on with every step we are also sending excess shock up through the legs, hips and back causing many joint problems.

80% of runners are injured every year, yet running is one of the most natural things a human can do - something has gone wrong!

In a nutshell we have forgotten how to run thanks to the invention of overly cushioned and supportive shoes. Our feet simply need protection from the elements, they do not need support. In fact supporting the feet (our body's foundation) will weaken the feet and result in overuse of other muscles causing unnecessary injury. The cushioning in the latest state-of-the-art running footwear prevents the 200,000 nerve endings in the soles of our feet from sending feedback to the brain and controlling the way we move - imagine wearing mittens on your hands all day and trying to perform even the most simple of tasks! We rely on sensory feedback to enable us to be the amazing machines that we were designed to be. Dumbing down that feedback creates unnatural movement.

To improve anything in life there has to be change. To take a leap forwards with your running and to strive for a lifetime of efficient and injury free natural movement, you need to take a small step backwards and remember how to move as a child. Barefoot.

Jonno Gibbins - VIVOBAREFOOT Technique Coach

Wild Night Run and Exeter Half

I'll be running in the Wild Night Run on Feb 9th and the Exeter Half Marathon on the 10th - it's an opportunity to promote VIVOBAREFOOT both during the events and on the VIVOBAREFOOT stand.

Check out the details here:

Wild Night Run: 
http://wildnightrun.co.uk

Exeter Half: 
http://www.ironbridgerunnerevents.co.uk/exeterhalf/

Come and see the VIVOBAREFOOT team for info and advise on running techniques and products.

See you on the run or on the VIVOBAREFOOT stand!

New Barefoot Training Clinics

Barefoot running is getting a real foot hold in Cornwall - so much so that I am now offering running clinics at the following locations:

Truro - Trizone Triathlon Store

Penzance - Bolitho School

St Ives - St Ives Leisure Centre

By popular demand there will also be weekly running evenings to keep a check on your barefoot technique and make sure that you are on the right track.

Monday eve is Touch Gloves (Penzance) running club night and Wednesday eve is St Ives TRACC running club night.

Drop me a line for further info!