Run Barefoot Run Healthy: Less Pain More Gain For Runners Over 30 [Paperback]

Ashish Mukharji (Author), Zola Budd (Preface)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2011

Barefoot running is the hottest trend in athletics today, spurred by the bestselling Born to Run, and the subsequent popularity of Vibram Five Fingers toe shoes. Should you do it? And how do you start?

With a focus on injury prevention for middle-of-the pack runners, this easy to read "why and how of barefoot running" opens with the author's own transformation from barefoot skeptic to barefoot marathoner, and draws from 100 years of scientific research on barefooting, as well as interviews with podiatrists and with barefoot running moms and dads across America.

Are a woman's bare feet rough ... or are they prettier, free of bunions and hammer toes? (Hear from women who have made the switch.) Does shoe cushioning prevent knee and back pain ... or cause it? (Read the true tales, and the research.) Are bare feet unhygienic ... or cleaner? The answers may surprise you.

If you run with pain, or if fear of injury keeps you biking or swimming when you'd really rather be running: this book is for you.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

"The paradigm has shifted and this book captures it beautifully. The days of trying to build up shoe support with stiff materials and inserts are being replaced with a more natural, intrinsic approach - barefoot running. Ashish convincingly presents why this is the ideal way to build foot stability, balance, and prevent injury."

Michael Fredericson, M.D.

Professor, Department of Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine

Head Team Physician, Stanford Track & Field

Stanford University School of Medicine

"Like most runners I know in their 40s, I am desperate to again be able to run healthy. I fought the central thesis of this book, but by addressing some of my main concerns again and again, Ashish has convinced me to try barefoot running."

Alex Tilson

American 50K record holder (2002-2009)

"This thought provoking and easy to read book had me intrigued and tempted within minutes. It truly puts the burden of proof back on the running shoe industry!"

Chantelle Wilder

2009 Canada World Cross Country team

Runners Feed writer and co-owner

Former barefoot running skeptic

"Whether you run in shoes or barefoot, the fundamentals described in this book, like posture, and how your feet touch the ground, will be invaluable."

Bill Bilodeau

Recreational runner, barefoot and shod, 52 years old

"I don't want to wear shoes. Why is there a book called Run Barefoot except if it is good for you?"

Greta Gunter

Six years wise

About the Author

Ashish Mukharji lives in California, where he trains with the Palo Alto Run Club. He is a graduate of Yale University.

Product Details

• Paperback: 190 pages
• Publisher: Heterodox (July 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0983035407
• ISBN-13: 978-0983035404
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.4 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (49 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #117,106 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #71 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Diseases & Physical Ailments > Musculoskeletal Diseases

More About the Author

After 20 years of running injuries, 38-year-old Ashish Mukharji decided to try something different - he took off his running shoes. And with that first doctor-forbidden barefoot run, Ashish "cured" his chronic shin splints, IT band syndrome and plantar fasciitis.

Now running as much as 70 miles/week on city roads, sidewalks and trails, Ashish races marathons barefoot and without injury: no more MRIs, painful physical therapy or insurance co-pays. No more jarred back, numb fingers and sore neck. No more blisters, corns or bunions. No more smelly feet!

Ashish is a popular teacher and speaker, and has given talks on barefoot and injury-free running to the US Air Force (Osan AB), the University for Peace, and many points in between.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Wow! October 14, 2011

By Mindy

Format:Paperback

I was skeptical when I recieved this book that I would find anything other than someone pushing a new "craze". Boy was I wrong. I loved this book. I loved the Q&A style of writing. I loved that the author brings in lots of other sources of reference and "testimonials" from other barefoot runners. Barefoot running is a hard concept to wrap your head around and I'm the first to admit that even after reading, I'm still a little "scared" to lose my shoes. But Ashish makes such a strong case for it - that it's making me think I'm crazy NOT to try it. Even if you are skeptical and don't think you will EVER consider running barefoot, I would recommend buying this book. I think it's a must-read for ANY runner at any age.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Backed by Research July 17, 2011

By Susan C. Ryan

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I was unable to walk for exercise because I was in too much pain. The research behind this book convinced me to try walking barefoot and I have been walking an hour or more a day with minimal pain. I was amazed to read that there is no scientific evidence that arch support or cushioning prevent injury. The Q&A sections and interviews are written with good humor and are full of info. I thought there wouldn't be that much to say about running barefoot (take off your shoes! go run!) but there is great advice about posture and getting started running barefoot. What I really enjoyed, though, was the research that amounts to an expose of the running shoe industry.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Looking foreward to my first barefoot run! July 11, 2011

By Mohit

Format:Paperback

Finally a `How To' book that speaks the same language as the reader - at least in my case! I'm a casual runner, but have been intrigued by the `barefoot running' phenomenon but have not yet attempted it. While I've had several conversations with barefoot runners trying to understand more about it, I never really got the benefits of barefoot running nor how I could `try it out'. This handbook puts these concerns of mine to rest.

I must say that despite his degree in mathematics to which the author attributes his fondness of data, he expresses himself very clearly and thoughtfully, answering all the possible questions I had on the subject. He lets his sentiments (read sarcasm) occasionally emerge in his answers, which can be quite entertaining. I guess I realized when I ordered a book titled, "Run Barefoot, Run Healthy" that the author is a not a big Nike fan.

I read the book in one sitting and am looking forward to my first barefoot run tomorrow (I prefer to start in the daylight).