Runners, and
their coaches, have basically ignored technique for years, assuming
that their natural stride will give them efficiency and injury
resistance. We have found that this simply is not the case.
For the past decade, African runners have dominated distance running at
its highest levels. Research on what makes these runners faster
consistently demonstrates normal VO2 Max and lactate threshold levels
for elite runners. Their height, weight, and limb-length ratios all
fall into the normal category. Clearly and consistently, what sets the
great African runners apart is that they are more efficient than their
competitors, running faster without expending more energy. Experts in
running economy agree that running barefoot through childhood
contributes significantly to the extraordinary economy of these
athletes. We're not suggesting that you run barefoot. We are suggesting
that you take the time and effort to learn the techniques that may be
more natural running barefoot, and implement them into your
shoe-running technique.