When combined with a plant-based, unrefined sugar, such as agave or raw honey, chia delivers sustained energy. The seeds actually create a physical barrier in the stomach between carbohydrates and digestive enzymes. This results in a slower absorption of sugar into the blood stream, meaning prolonged energy rather than “spiking and bonking.”

A growing body of scientific research shows that runners experience less injuries and faster times when they run barefoot or with minimal padding. In fact, research published in Sports Science in 2001 by Michael Warburtin points out that, "Laboratory studies show that the energy cost of running is reduced by about 4% when the feet are not shod." Translate the energy saved into time over a run and you are going to experience a personal record. Add the reduced chance you'll suffer an injury and it's a big win for us runners.

I recently finished reading Born to Run, A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen. To say that it turned everything I thought I knew about running upside down would be an understatement. I literally discovered that things I had just learned about running – and from some of the most accomplished coaches out there – were completely wrong. In fact, some of the lessons people taught me could very well have been contributing to my injuries!

I recently finished reading the incredibly eye-opening and delightfully inspiring book Born to Run, by Christopher McDougall. In it, Chris introduces us to Barefoot Ted, a big man with a big mouth and an equally big heart who used to have terrible foot pains that crippled his running ability. He began to walk without shoes [...]