Interesting article.....I haven't tried it yet but maybe I will....at the HL 5K THIS SATURDAY!!!!
Dr. Michael Wilkinson, an expert in the physiology of exercise, recently discovered that barefoot runners use less oxygen, have faster stride rates, and are not in contact with the ground as long as those who run with shoes on.
In his research, 18 runners from recreational to highly trained, were studied to discover their ways of running when wearing shoes or going barefoot. Each session consisted of six minutes of moderate running to measure each participant's oxygen uptake. This measure was done to determine the amount of energy used by each individual. Each individual also had video taken to study their running form when wearing shoes and when barefoot. Barefoot runners improved their running by six percent in terms of their energy expenditure and had the tendency to land on their midfoot (a good thing) while having increased stride rates.Since barefoot runners tend to use less force when running to avoid discomfort, they are also less likely to become injured. The participants showed a 6 percent improvement in running economy when running barefoot and showed technique and oxygen uptake benefits as well.
While barefoot running may not be for everyone, it can stimulate less oxygen use and decrease force when landing. If an individual notices they land on their heel when running with shoes, going barefoot may be a great way to increase awareness of landing on the midfoot section and it also may increase running economy.
Article by Kelli Oligney, Associate Editor
