Barefoot Running: How to Run Light and Free by Getting in Touch with the Earth

Very good, mostly

This is a really good guide on running barefoot, one that I'm sure will help many runners. My only real issue is more of a technical problem with the Nookbook version. Many of the sidebars with the exercises are cut off on a standard Nook wifi display. I tried using the Nook for PC program, in the hope it would show the full exercises but the problem is even worse there. It seems like the exercises are saved as images, so there's no flow with the text. Both the program and the Nook display what fits with no option to see more. Hopefully the publisher will fix this problem and update the e-book.
I'd give it a higher rating if I could actually read the entire book!

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

Balanced & Healthy Approach to Barefoot Running

I really appreciate Michael Sandler's balanced approach to barefoot running. He recommends barefoot running as a training tool to use in moderation. What he doesn't do is tell you that you need to go barefoot all the time. Surprisingly, there's an entire chapter devoted to minimalist shoes, how to select the right pair and how to balance barefoot training with shod running. He's not an obnoxious barefoot running evangelist like others I've found out there. Of course Sandler himself is barefoot about 100% of the time, but he understands that most ordinary folk like me are probably going shod the majority of the time. Some places in the city are just too unsanitary for me. If you're goal oriented, the tips on form and easy to follow drills will no doubt improve your times. And the step-by-step gradual transition schedule will definitely keep you injury free. As a mother of three, I loved the chapter on children. My kids love the barefoot games and I'm glad I'm helping them grow healthy, properly formed feet. The chapter on seniors helped me convince my 70 year old parents to spend some time barefoot. It's comforting to know they're steadily increasing their balance, which means less chance of falling. I'm glad I've got this book on my shelf as a great reference I'll be returning to for years to come.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

GREAT SPEAKER!

I bought the book and it looks informative - yet to read it, but plan to. I saw him speak at a local runner's store, and he's amazing. I recommend reading Born To Run, seeing him speak and/or reading his book (video soon to come, he says) and viewing the DVD called Evolution Running if you'd like to run until the day you "transition" to your next life - without injury. I pitched my orthotics months ago and am building up my arch using Vibram Five Fingers and I'm running again for the first time in over 18 years (I'm 48 years old). I'm up to 5.5 miles now on trails. I plan to try running completely barefoot this spring/summer, and working my way up to 50 miles. Michael's story is so inspiring, you'll have to try it. It gives me a whole new adventure to look forward to in my life: connecting with the earth with my feet, and watching them return to their natural strong state!!!! Thanks Michael and Jessica!

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

DO NOT BUY THIS NOOKBOOK

The book does not download properly and after 2 alleged "technical correction" requests made by Barnes and Noble to the publisher, it still does not download properly. The "sidebars" do not completely download and this is where a significant portion of recommended exercises/tips are written. As I am just taking up barefoot running, these tips and exercises are crucial to proper development of techniques that help you avoid injuries during the transition to barefoot running.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Forever converted to barefoot running!

I thought the barefoot movement was a bit crazy, until I read "Born to Run." I closed the book, and didn't know where to go next. I am a lifelong runner and marathoner and I had just learned everything I knew about running was wrong. Shocking! Barefoot Running is the PERFECT book for anyone looking to take the next (first) step. The info is very detailed, with pictures to accompany the exercises (so I know I am doing it right), and each thorough chapter leads you through the process. They cover every topic and do it very thoroughly and with every step clearly laid out. I was intrigued that Barefoot Ted wrote a special greeting for them also (he is a colorful character in "Born to Run") All I can tell you is that Michael has made me a believer. After the immense obstacles he has overcome and physical success he has experienced, it gives you the ammo to see how far you can take it yourself. I am so glad I discovered barefoot running. It saved my knees, running career, and put the joy back in my stride. If you don't at least give this an honest shot, trust me you will regret it!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Decent information, long winded...

The author has some good information to give you on barefoot running. Unfortunately he also has a lot of personal experience that he reiterates over and over again. It's very long winded and much of the book reads like a retrospective story of personal injury and almost magical healing through a connection with nature made by being barefoot.

The best Technical and motivational book on Barefoot Running.

I write very few reviews here, but from time to time there I feel compelled to share my experience when I find a truly unique and life changing product.

Well Michael Sandler and Jessica Lee's books Barefoot Running is truly such a product.

I was lucky enough to discover the joy and benefits of Barefoot or minimalist running after reading Chris McDougall's excellent book "Born to Run".

After buying my Vibram 5 finger shoes, I did a bit of research in order to transition smoothly and found the wonderful book Barefoot Running.

Thanks to Michael's account of how he got into Barefoot running after a debilitating accident, and then following his advice and detailed explanations on why and how to run barefoot in proper form. I learned to run properly and enjoy barefoot running.

In a short 18 months I went from 1 mile to a full 26.2 mile Marathon earlier this week.

While there are several great leaders in this field including Barefoot Ken Bob (who also has an excellent book), Barefoot Ted (great Luna Sandals) etc. that I have been fortunate enough to meet and learn from.

It is Michael Sandler and Jessica Lee's work that did it for me. Not only is it so easy an logical to understand the technique behind BFR, but Michael's story and writing is truly inspirational and motivational.

And so while I recommend all the people and books mentioned above, if there is ONE book that is a must get if you are interested at all in a healthy, natural and enjoyable way to run, I have to say that the book is "Barefoot Running".

I was lucky enough to meet Michael and Jessica last week and the NYC Barefoot run, and if you get a chance I hope you get to do a clinic with Michael as well.

Ivan M. Olarte


Barefootin' the way we were meant to be...

Instead of anticipating the goal, learn to enjoy the Journey for this is where we spend 99.9% of our time.

The Journey is the reward...

Buy a hard copy rather than the Nookbook

Looks like a promising read, but some of the material gets lost in the Nookbook format. Tried it with Nook for Mac, Nook Color, Nook Touch, and Nook First Edition. After almost an hour on the phone with a very helpful customer service rep, she determined that it was a content/publisher issue and thankfully not a Nook issue. Refund could take a bit, but I will be purchasing a paper copy of the book.

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