Raw Food, Body Alignment, And Barefoot Running

by Rudy Scarfalloto
(Atlanta, GA, USA)

Hello Andrew,

I recently saw your video on the challenges you experienced early in your training, and how you attempted to improve your running efficiency by working with your body alignment.

As a chiropractor and aspiring runner, I'm curious to know how that worked for you.

- Rudy

Andrew's Answer:

Hi Rudy.

That's an old video from when I was just getting started with longer-distance running.

One of the elements I talk about in that video was straining myself by doing too much too soon. That was indeed the case, and my muscles pretty much just gave out on me during that run.

Simple rest was all that was needed to recover. Through progressive training, I've reached a state where I can now run much farther without any issues.

However, the advice I got about how to correct my form was atrocious, I now realize, and I injured myself by adopting it.

I was eventually told to use thick, motion-control shoes and orthotics, and to to change my running form to a heel strike.

The advice was dangerous, and I busted a bone in my right foot that year because of it.

It wasn't until the Fall of 2009 (that video was shot in 2008) that I got to run my first marathon because I had to stop running due to the injury.

The Fix:

To cut to the chase, I learned to run with minimalist footwear, but also practiced extensively with
barefoot running to improve my form.

The running form I now use is based on, "The Pose Method," by Dr. Nicholas Romanov.

You can read more about the evolution my my form here.

I originally relied on Vibram Five Fingers for my first marathon.

Within the last year, however, I've come to prefer Luna running sandals.

I hope that helps.

- Andrew