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[Update] Book: Born to Run


2440779305_6709b5607dIn my previous blog post I mentioned that runners are more likely to get injured in expensive shoes than in less expensive shoes, and even less likely to get injured running barefoot. Customers are spending money to hurt themselves. This is based on Christopher McDougall’s research in the book Born To Run.

A few of my friends have suggested that people that buy expensive running shoes are more likely to drive themselves harder and get injured. This angle is addressed in the book — Chris talked about casual runners who run three times a week and still get injured in expensive shoes.

So, I still believe that spending money on expensive shoes is a waste of cash. You’re better off making shoes out of 2 liter bottles, as in the picture.

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This entry was posted on September 12, 2009, 6:44 pm and is filed under Adventure, Marketing. You can follow any responses to this entry through RSS 2.0. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.

  1. #1 by Dale Jeremy on September 17, 2009 - 7:35 pm

    Dude, Do you believe everything you read? If you grew up without shoes and developed the muscles in your feet in ankles, then it might – repeat might be less likely that you’d be injured. Here’s a test for you – Go out running without shoes for 2 weeks, regularly, and not just around the block. See just how un-injured you are . . . By the way, do you think the scientists at Pearl Izumi, Nike, Asics etc. are just some shmoes that want to sell a pretty shoe? Doesn’t work that way. If they don’t work, they’ll be out of business.

  2. #2 by Neal Mueller on September 17, 2009 - 9:02 pm

    My point was just that McDougall presented an interesting thesis that was data driven and that I personally found compelling. I write no prescriptions, just reporting what I read and think. Frequent purchases does not a good product make. My grandfather Elmer questioned the authority that “cigarettes are good for you” and that is why he is alive today.

  3. #3 by justin on September 24, 2009 - 8:36 pm

    just heard this guy speak on AM980 here in la. as a result i have done some googling and i admit, he has given me something to think about.

  4. #4 by Amy on October 21, 2009 - 7:01 am

    Interesting NYTimes blog about this:

    http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/21/phys-ed-is-running-barefoot-better-for-you/

    Personally, I have a bad knee that feels much better if I run with a certain pair of shoes.

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