The Barefoot Running Book First Edition: A Practical Guide to the Art and Science of Barefoot and Minimalist Shoe Running [Paperback]

Jason Robillard (Author), Tamara Gerken (Editor), Todd Johnston (Editor), Joel Wermiel (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2010

The Barefoot Running Book is a concise collection of advice to help new and experienced runners make the transition to barefoot or minimalist shoe running. More runners are shedding their heavy, overly-cushioned shoes in favor of their bare feet or lightweight minimalist shoes such as the Vibram Five Fingers or Terra Plana Vivo Barefoot EVO. These options allow us to run with better form, thus reducing injury and allowing for a more enjoyable running experience. Jason uses a combination of research, collaboration, and his own experiences to bring you the latest best-known methods for making a safe, enjoyable transition to barefoot or minimalist shoe running. Topics covered include the theory behind barefoot running, a brief review of the research supporting barefoot running, the essential elements of barefoot running form, a collection of useful drills, a plan to make a safe transition to barefoot running, common injury issues and concerns, frequently asked questions, and a listing of barefoot running resources.

Editorial Reviews

Review

The first thing to keep in mind when opening this book is that Jason has no intention of turning anyone into a barefoot runner overnight. Jason, like all barefoot veterans, emphasizes patience throughout and I urge you to heed his words. Although the book could be considered a quick read, you will find in the text that transitioning to barefoot or minimalist running is not for the instant gratification crowd. Just like training for your first marathon, it takes small steps and persistence. What this book gives you is an education about barefoot running. It also provides you a starting point and goals to aspire to along your path to embracing barefoot and minimalist running. Everything is simple and straightforward and guides you to running from the soul (double entendre intended!). Jason acknowledges that barefoot or minimalist running may not be for everyone, however even the most fervent running shoe salesman can walk away with something useful from the book. A wonderful advantage to this book is that it fits easily into a backpack and can be pulled out as reference material. For example, when stuck in a hotel room, I am able to retreive my copy and choose a couple of activities to promote barefoot running. Did I say activities? Yes I did. Jason provides a number of activities to help barefoot runners of all levels improve their technique and form. And that is what sets this book apart. There is plenty of information about barefoot running on the internet and elsewhere. But this book is a concise guide that takes you into the how and provides a map and the components to successfully transition from shod feet to naked feet or if you desire, minimalist footwear. --Last Mile Lounge Review

This book is small--both in page size (5.5 x 8.5 inches) and length (61 total pages). The cost is fairly minimal as well: $14.95. I guess a book on minimalist running should be minimal, eh? The book's shortness is both a blessing and a curse. If you are looking for an in-depth treatise on barefoot running, this is not your book. If you want a quick primer on barefoot running, then this book will provide a great collection of advice from a trustworthy and experienced author. For someone new to the minimalist landscape, Jason's book is an ideal entry point. It provides a rationale for why barefoot running can be a healthy and robust alternative to shod running. The book then takes the reader through a series of exercises and drills that should be done before going barefoot. This "pre-work" is important for eventual success in transitioning from shod to barefoot running and walking. After the "pre-running" information, Robillard advances through beginning, intermediate, and advanced barefoot running. He provides two basic 4-stage training schedules that should help runners conceptualize the transition from shoes to bare soles. --Chris' Ultra Blog

The book starts out with a graduated program for becoming a barefoot runner. I can attest to most of the advice given at the beginner and intermediate levels, because they are right in line with my experiences. The advice for the advanced levels of training is also completely consistent with everything I've read on the subject so far. The author also offers more general training advice that, in my opinion, is "spot on" for any type of runner, shod or unshod, who is interested in improving his or her performance. I was very happy to read his recommendation of emphasizing intensity over volume when training. I was also pleased to read his advice on getting adequate rest. The cross training advice was also excellent, and is based on the principles of CrossFit, of which I am also a strong advocate. --Ken Schafer, Pose running coach

This book is small--both in page size (5.5 x 8.5 inches) and length (61 total pages). The cost is fairly minimal as well: $14.95. I guess a book on minimalist running should be minimal, eh? The book's shortness is both a blessing and a curse. If you are looking for an in-depth treatise on barefoot running, this is not your book. If you want a quick primer on barefoot running, then this book will provide a great collection of advice from a trustworthy and experienced author. For someone new to the minimalist landscape, Jason's book is an ideal entry point. It provides a rationale for why barefoot running can be a healthy and robust alternative to shod running. The book then takes the reader through a series of exercises and drills that should be done before going barefoot. This "pre-work" is important for eventual success in transitioning from shod to barefoot running and walking. After the "pre-running" information, Robillard advances through beginning, intermediate, and advanced barefoot running. He provides two basic 4-stage training schedules that should help runners conceptualize the transition from shoes to bare soles. --Chris' Ultra Blog

The book starts out with a graduated program for becoming a barefoot runner. I can attest to most of the advice given at the beginner and intermediate levels, because they are right in line with my experiences. The advice for the advanced levels of training is also completely consistent with everything I've read on the subject so far. The author also offers more general training advice that, in my opinion, is "spot on" for any type of runner, shod or unshod, who is interested in improving his or her performance. I was very happy to read his recommendation of emphasizing intensity over volume when training. I was also pleased to read his advice on getting adequate rest. The cross training advice was also excellent, and is based on the principles of CrossFit, of which I am also a strong advocate. --Ken Schafer, Pose running coach

About the Author

Jason Robillard is a barefoot ultramarathon runner and barefoot running instructor. He has been recreational barefoot runner since 1992 and racing barefoot since 2006. He runs in events of all distances ranging from 5K road races to 100 mile trail races. Jason is the owner of Barefoot Running University, LLC, an organization that helps runners make the transition to barefoot and minimalist shoe running. Jason regularly conducts clinics and workshops to teach barefoot running skills. Jason routinely blogs about his barefoot ultramarathon experiences on his 'Barefoot Chronicles' blog. Jason also teaches high school psychology. His unique background as a professional educator and barefoot runner allow him to use a variety of teaching and coaching methods to help runners achieve their goals, whether they wish to transition to minimalist shoes, are interested in adding barefoot running to their training routine on a part-time basis, or wish to become a full-time barefoot runner.

Product Details

• Paperback: 61 pages
• Publisher: Barefoot Running Press; First edition (March 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0615354440
• ISBN-13: 978-0615354446
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (34 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,084,703 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 39 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars "Book" might be a misnomer September 14, 2010

By K. Beck

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

While I think that there are some good tips in the book on how exactly to get started barefoot running, at 61 pages, it's more of a pamphlet than a book. The price is a bit high for what you're getting.

43 of 59 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy to understand, even for beginners. April 21, 2010

By R.E.W.

Format:Paperback

I am a new runner. I've never run in a race, or run a continuous mile even. However, when I wanted to start running, I learned about barefoot running. I researched it some more and discovered it was really the route I wanted to take. I was disappointed though, that there were no books on HOW to actually learn (or maybe there are, and I just didn't find them). Yes, there are websites and forums, but the information I found was scattered all over the internet. Then this book came out. I had already been reading on Jason's website and blog, but this had everything contained in one easy-to-understand book, even for a beginner like me. It's an easy read and I appreciated the humor scattered throughout it. Although I had been attempting barefoot running prior to reading the book, I did not achieve "proper form" until I read it and implemented some of the techniques. Now I am just working on building endurance!

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in barefoot running...either exclusively or part-time.

Now that I am running more regularly, and my feet are stronger...I LOVE running! And believe me, I NEVER thought I'd ever say that!

10 of 15 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars A decent barefoot running guide June 13, 2010

By Chantal Pierre

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book is very short, but easy to read. It gives strengthening exercises, running techniques, training schedules, etc. However, I believe most of the information in this book could have been learned by trial and error of running. There is no profound information in this book. It was an easy read and gave some good tips however. It's worth the read.