2009: Year of the Barefoot Runner!
Historians will remember 2009 as the year barefoot running surged in popularity. Google Timeline reveals the huge increase in 2009 in barefoot running on the Internet.
Many factors account for this recent explosion of interest in barefoot running: runners realizing that running shoes are mostly hype/advertising, a general interest in alternative medicine and holistic healing, and a dedicated group of barefoot runners educating the public with websites, online discussion forums, and even barefoot running clubs. However, the biggest factor, in my opinion, was Christopher McDougall’s book Born to Run.
McDougall’s book was released in May, and according to Google Timeline the dramatic burst in barefoot running occurred in July. Clearly, this isn’t just a coincidence. McDougall went on a one-man marketing mission to sell copies of his book and in the process, whether he had intended to or not, sold barefoot running.
McDougall talked to any reporter who would listen. A Google search on him and his book brings up nearly a million hits (yes, I like Google).
More than sell books, McDougall gave barefoot running credibility. He made running barefoot respectable, and he backed up his claims with first hand accounts of the Tarahumara Indians and their “running” way of life. His book is not scientific fact, but a compilation of interviews and observations with the Tarahumara and others, including respected scientists. It was also his journey.
Runners and even non-runners will find McDougall’s transition to barefoot running fascinating. Clearly, if there is a barefoot education superstar in the fight to spur public interest, scientific research, and barefoot running credibility, it is Christopher McDougall. He is the barefoot runners’ Man of the Year.
Barefoot Runners' Man Of The Year
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Nice post. McDougall should be simply the runners ‘Man of the Year’. He did us a wonderful service.
I agree… Chris has been the driving force behind the sudden surge in barefoot running interest.
No doubt!