Comments on: Running Scared

By: Running and Rambling: Declaration of Dependence

Running and Rambling: Declaration of Dependence — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 04:38:03 +0000

[…] while continuing on my merry way. If you want a more in-depth breakdown, Running Quest has an interesting analysis of why this fear-mongering is bad not only from a PR standpoint, but a business one. After all, […]

By: Sock Runner

Sock Runner — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 07:56:00 +0000

I think he has the right to express his opinions on barefoot running but he shouldn't be discouraging people about it. Then again, runners always freely make their decisions. It's obvious that he said all those things for the sake of selling a brand but his arguments are just too shallow that his "scaring" tactic just looked too childish to me. He should've at least backed it up with concrete evidences or said more about the shoes that he's apparently trying to sell. But he didn't. I think a lot of barefoot runners are just scoffing at him right now.

By: 2010 February

2010 February — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 22:53:16 +0000

[…] over on Runningquest, commentator “AQ” adds a startlingly sharp insight. Speed, he writes, is equal to […]

By: Magnum Owseven

Magnum Owseven — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 02:32:00 +0000

health experts still highly recommend barefoot running. and i went with that advice. i bought the vibram five fingers and have been so happy with it ever since

By: Breastfeeding and Barefooting | tspn.tv

Breastfeeding and Barefooting | tspn.tv — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 16:43:44 +0000

[…] How the barefoot running movement is driving one CEO to ruin a brand. // via RunningQuest.net […]

By: Clynton

Clynton — Sat, 22 May 2010 23:28:02 +0000

Thanks, Brendon. It felt really good to do CrossFit with you this week (CrossFit San Mateo - http://crossfitsanmateo.com/). I'm psyched to get fit. Certainly a very humbling experience, though! Looking forward to noticing the progress a few weeks down the road.

Yes, Mr. G really missed a good opportunity there. Great analogy of Steakhouses.

Thanks for stopping by. See you next week.

By: Clynton

Clynton — Sat, 22 May 2010 16:28:02 +0000

By: Brendon Mahoney

Brendon Mahoney — Fri, 21 May 2010 14:27:03 +0000

Great article Clynt! Great having you in the gym as well. Excited to get our endurance team going at CrossFit San Mateo and having you be a part of it!

If Mr. G were smart, he would jump on the current "trend" back to minimalist type running and offer Vibram's, Inov-8's, etc at his store, offer tech classes on running form and classes/seminars on barefoot running. It would be akin to top-level steakhouses reading the writing on the wall and offering grass-fed beef. A no-brainer.

Fortunately we have the power to choose which shops and retailers to support while sending a message to this guy that he's way off course.

By: Clynton

Clynton — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 23:26:41 +0000

I like the examples of other sports, such as baseball players wearing mitts. It's something I've been meaning to write about. My father grew up playing Cricket and never wore a glove - to this day even professional Cricket players use their hands only to catch a very hard ball being thrown fast and far. I'm sure they get hurt from time to time, but you can bet they are less likely to make a bad catch again after that experience. I think the same thing can be said about Rugby. Far fewer injuries than American Football, and certainly far fewer serious concussions. I think shoes absolutely get in the way of vital proprioceptive information. Just like is the case in gridiron football, players are given a false sense of protection so do far more than they should. Hitting someone in the head in Rugby with your head is the pure definition of stupidity since you are just as likely to get hurt yourself.

I think shoes can often cause us to run in a way that is more harmful than we initially think. Now, if you have learned how to run properly already, you can run well in even thick shoes (albeit much more difficultly). However, if you're new to running (or haven't for some time since most everyone did when they were kids) you are given by many running stores the thickest shoes to start out with. These shoes block much feeling and allow you to do all sorts of horrendously bad things like heel strike. That's when you end up injured and in the hospital like myself.

By: Clynton

Clynton — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 23:16:03 +0000

Thanks for sharing your insights into running through the lens of a doctor. It’s very helpful to have in the mix. I think your attitude, especially as a retailer, is a very good one to have. It sounds like your focus is on helping people enjoy running and that’s terrific.