Running Barefoot

That Christopher McDougall is full of shit, man.

If you’re a runner, chances are you’ve heard of the book Born to Run by Christopher McDougall. It’s one of the most well-known and bestselling books about running, and this summer, I figured it was about time I check it out for myself.

Born to Run is a fascinating tale about runner McDougall’s adventures in the Mexican canyons, running ultramarathons with the Tarahumara tribe. In his book, we’re introduced to a whole quirky cast of characters who also happen to be some of the world’s greatest runners. There’s Caballo Blanco, the mysterious loner who lived among the Tarahumara and organized the Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon of which the book is based around. Then there’s partners in crime Jenn Shelton and Billy Barnett, the couple could get blackout drunk at night and win a marathon in the morning. We also meet ultrarunning champ Scott Jurek, and Arnulfo Quimare, a young Tarahumara who may be the greatest runner you've never heard of. And then there’s Barefoot Ted, the incredibly talented runner who refused to wear shoes despite the treacherous Mexican terrain.

McDougall uses Barefoot Ted as a catalyst for a biggest discussion on running shoes and whether or not humans even need them. In fact, he spends a majority of the book advocating for barefoot or “minimalist” running. He makes the argument that humans by nature are “born to run,” thanks to millions of years of evolution and adaptability. McDougall theorizes that distance running played a role in homosapiens becoming the dominant species on earth. Because we possess an Achilles tendon and other evolutionary features, that has lead to greater endurance, and we didn’t need Nike running shoes to survive. Running shoes are a relatively new invention, one McDougall would argue is unnecessary and does more harm than good.

To which I reply in my best Tim Robinson voice: you sure about that?

Listen, I get it. This guy has ran more miles in his career so far than I ever will in my entire lifetime. He’s seen first hand how the Tarahumara runners can run for hundreds of miles wearing hand-made sandals on their feet through treacherous and cacti-laden terrain. But while McDougall isn’t exactly saying we should burn all of our running shoes and raw dog it for the rest of our running lives, he does spend a lot of time jUsT aSkInG qUeStIoNs about how the running shoe industry (started in large part by Nike in the 80s and 90s) is one built upon fear of injury.

But hey, for a minute there, I lost myself and drank the koolaid. Maybe this dude is right. Maybe the secret to running has been in my disgusting bare feet all along. I decided I wanted to give barefoot running a try for myself, but where? This was June, and the Summer was already heating up. I wasn’t about to run on hot coals on the concrete. So I went to the beach. How bad could running on sand be for my feet? Turns out, ehhhh not great Bob!

I know in the past I’ve been an advocate for running on the beach like a graceful wild horse. But it’s not like the movies. Running on sand is hard. It challenges your body and forces you to use different muscles and tendons you didn’t even know you had. Yes, it provides a softer landing, but that’s not necessarily better. You’re digging your way out with every step, even on the more compact sand. Not to mention the beach is slanted. It’s not ideal.

But in the few times I’ve run on the beaches of North Carolina, I did enjoy it and I wanted to try it without my shoes weighing me down. So, I went out barefoot. I gotta admit, it felt good. I ran at a much slower pace than usual due to the sand, the tide, and avoidance of holes and sand castles along the way. But I was able to do 4 miles, and in the morning at the beach, it was refreshing. I didn’t feel anything abnormal with my feet during the run. Did I find the secret to becoming a true barefooted runner after all? Reader, I did not.

Over the following weeks, my Achilles and (oddly) my big toes were hurting. I couldn’t stretch or bend them properly. While I could still run (shoes on), it didn’t feel the same. I wasn’t getting the same push off and impact as before. I took a week off from running. I iced my feet, and took it easy. Still, the pain still lingered, no matter how much I eased back on my training. This lasted for most of the summer, too. And all I could think of was that Christopher McDougall’s full of shit, man. What he would probably tell me is that I shouldn’t have run 4 miles barefoot in the sand without any proper training, and that sand can really fuck up your ligaments. I should’ve tried running barefoot on concrete first, or at least gotten a pair of those barefoot running shoes with the toes. Whatever. I like my Brooks sneakers, and they’ve worked for me for a long time. I’m not about to ditch them now.

Running barefoot isn’t for anybody. I think McDougall goes a little overboard with the whole advocation of the barefoot running movement, and I definitely don’t share his skepticism towards running sneakers. I’ve ran perfectly fine with them, as have like millions of other people for decades. But do whatever the hell you want. I think if you’re going to try it, don’t be like me. Do it right. Start off slow and in small doses. It may work for you, it may not. I don’t know how you’ll run during the winter months without any shoes, but hey, I’m sure you’ll figure it out. As for me, I’m gonna keep wearing my running shoes.

Pictured: The Beths, and a fan

After my summer of pain, I’m happy to report that I finally feel back to normal. I’ve been traveling for work recently, where I’ve been lucky to run by a The National/The Beths soundcheck in Nashville, and then over the Mississippi River in Minneapolis. But man, Achilles injuries are no joke. I’m thankful mine was only minor, but it took a while to get back to where I need to be. For most of the summer, my whole running routine was screwed up, all because I read a book. Let that be a lesson to you kids: never read.

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IT KEEPS YOU RUNNING: Music for Your Miles

Music and running go hand-in-hand. Here’s what you should be putting on your running playlist this week.

Wax Jaw, Between the Teeth

Fall is here. Theoretically, it’s the best time of the year for running. The air is crisp, the leaves are changing color, and after a long run, it’s nice to cozy up to some pumpkin spice bullshit thing or whatever. That’s right, it’s decorative gourd season, motherfuckers! That’d be great if it were all true, but we’re like pushing 80 degrees this week in Philadelphia, so Fall ain’t here quite yet (if it ever comes at all anymore). But still, it’s October and this may be controversial to say but in my opinion, October is the spookiest month of the year. OOOOOOOHHHHH! Hear that? Is that a ghost? SO SPOOKY! And you know you makes rad spooky post punk music? Wax Jaw. The Philadelphia band has only been active since [checks notes] 2023, but they’re already making a name for themselves with their electric live shows at Ortliebs, Silk City, and PhilaMOCA. They’ve released a few singles over the summer (all of which feature skeletons on the cover, which you know is one of the spookiest things you can feature on album art), including the The Cure-indebted “Checking Me Out",” and on October 20 they’ll be dropping their debut EP Between the Teeth. You’re gonna want to keep an eye on these guys. Put their song “The Mirror” on a running playlist and you’ll feel like you can run through walls… just like a ghost! OOOOOHHHHH!!!!!

Ratboys, The Window

Ratboys! Enough has already been said about The Window, which is easily one of the best albums of the year. I’m afraid at this point there’s not much more I can add. You certainly don’t need little old me to tell you how good a record The Window is and how Ratboys leveled up in a big way and that their songs sound even bigger live (especially at Johnny Brenda’s). You already know that, right? What I CAN tell you, however, is that The Window makes for a perfect running companion. As I’ve come to learn over the years as an amateur runner, the best running music is both something you can get lost in and be motivated by. The best albums to run to can rev you up and also let you glide when you need it. The Window provides a little bit of both. “Black Earth, WI” is a great meandering song that can ease you into the beginning of a run. The sunny, country-tinged “Morning Zoo” does something similar. But then they’ll also hit you with all out rockers like “Making Noise for the Ones You Love” or “Crossed That Line” that provide the necessary endorphin rush every good long run needs. So get out there. We’re hitting the best time of the year for running as the fall slowly creeps its way in. Put The Window on and go for a run. Just remember to wear your sneakers.

jyergs

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