Michael Sandler - Barefoot Running. How to Run Light and Free by Getting in Touch With the Earth

Special Greeting from Barefoot Ted

Ive often called Christopher McDougalls book Born to Run my quirky Ph.D. thesis I didnt have to write. He was able to take everything I had learned about the fundamental human capacity of running, joyfully and minimally, and turn it into an epic book that has changed the thinking of a generation.

Michael Sandlers book continues that theme.

Thousands upon thousands of folks have contacted me asking how they too can begin their barefoot journey. My solution has been to conduct introductory clinics to barefoot running and to share my stories on my blog Barefoot Teds Adventures. Many encourage me to write a how-to book about barefoot running. Now I dont have to write that book either. Here it is.

Michael Sandler has applied his passion and insights into barefoot running in a way no one else has so far. You are holding in your hands a book as exhaustive and accurate of a description of barefoot running as you could ever hope for.

I am proud of this books message and its attention to detail and quality of writing. I dare to say that this book will become a best-seller and inform millions about the benefits of barefoot runningand not just the physical benefits. Michael touches on the deeper, spiritual aspects of running and our deep connection with the earth, our ancestors, and all the other co-inhabitants on this planet. You will be inspired.

Once again the Universe has been generous to me and you and found someone who could thoughtfully and exhaustively write about a topic that will ultimately change the lives of all who read it and practice what it teaches.

You are a very lucky person. You were born with amazing capacities that are waiting reawakening. Taking off your shoes is a first big step.

Barefoot Ted

Barefoot Teds Adventures

www.BarefootTed.com

Praise for Barefoot Running

Dear Readers, enjoy the insights this book has to offer to help you to remember to run in an easy, light, and smooth way, with or without footwear of your choice. It is about form, joy, and the love of running. Run free!

Micah True, Caballo Blanco de la Sierra Madre

Barefoot Running is the best book on the market on how to begin and excel at barefoot running. I highly recommend it.

Michael Nirenberg, podiatric physician and surgeon,
and author of America s Podiatrist Blog

Barefoot Running arrives on the crest of a major paradigm shift in the world of running as, once again, we come to realize that nature is indeed best. Michael Sandlers exhaustive treatment of the topic celebrates the amazing evolutionary success that is the human foot and serves as comprehensive users guide for its rehabilitation and proper maintenance.

Dr. Joseph Froncioni, MDCM, FRCS(C)

As Michael Sandler argues compellingly, there are lots of good neurological reasons to re-attach yourself to the holy ground that you walk on!

If predictability and reliability in the contact of your feet to the ground was a good thing, human evolution would have provided us with hooves! Reconnecting with the irregular earth for at least a short period of time every day is definitely good for both your brain AND body!

Taking off those shoes, walking on a natural landscape where each step can provide a surprise, and feeling the earth between your toes for at least a short time every day is a very good idea, for brain and body alike!

Michael M. Merzenich, Ph.D., Director of Scientific Learning Corporation,

Francis A. Sooy Chair of Otolaryngology in the Keck Center for Integrative

Neurosciences at the University of California , San Francisco Medical Center

The history of running comes full circle with the publication of Barefoot Running. Michael Sandler and Jessica Lee join the ranks of Dean Karnazes and Christopher McDougall as prophets of running in the 21st century, showing us how to be smarter, lighter and better runners, just as our first ancestors were so many millenia ago. Any runner wanting to run with better form will like this book.

Michael Sandrock, author of Running with the Legends,
and founder of One World Running

Im often asked where to start. Now I can say, start here.

Marc Richard Silberman, MD
Director, New Jersey Sports Medicine and Performance Center

Michael and Jessica have provided a guide to help you avoid and minimize the problems associated with awakening your feet and your body, by embracing your bare feet. The question is no longer, should we be barefoot? It is, how often, and how much? Barefoot Running is the best current synopsis of the evidence of the benefits of aware feet, and the most logical guide to attaining them.

Ray McClanahan, DPM, BS Ed, creator of Correct Toes,

and founder of Northwest Foot & Ankle Clinic

For all the hi-tech innovations of the running shoe industry in the past decades, the truth is finally catching on. Nature has provided us with a feat of engineering so magnificent that it could never be replicated by sciencea pair of feet. In their natural state they are perfectly suited to running, and yet for many runners, particularly in the Western world, they have been devalued, underutilized, misused, and abused. The definitive users manual Barefoot Running has finally been written. Sell your shoes, buy the book, and let your feet take you on breathtaking adventures previously undreamed of.

Lorraine Mueller, four-time Olympian, Marathon Bronze Medalist,

and author of On the Wings of Mercury

Michael Sandlers experience and research gives any runner vital information on how to run healthier for decades, whether you choose to wear shoes or not. His principles and teaching on how the foot and body all work in proper anatomic function and how to correct dysfunctions is vitally important for running health and performance. I have been applying these principles for 10 years now, have not had injury, and still continue to run marathons in under 2:35 at age 43. Like Michael, I was told not to run 10 years ago after operations on my feet. You too can be your own coach armed with the right knowledge.

Mark Cucuzzella , MD , Associate Professor of Family Medicine,

West Virginia University School of Medicine

Race Director, Freedoms Run and owner of Two Rivers Treads

The research is out and the evidence is clear that barefoot running puts less stress and strain on your joints than running in footwear. Michael Sandlers book, Barefoot Running , will teach you step-by-step how to transition from shod running back to natural running safely and effectively.

Dr. James Stoxen, DC, President of Team Doctors,

and member of the National Fitness Hall of Fame

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This publication is designed to provide general information regarding the subject matter covered. The author has taken reasonable precautions in the preparation of this book and believes the facts presented in the book are accurate as of the date it was written. However, neither the author nor the publisher assumes any responsibility for any errors or omissions. The author and publisher disclaim any liability resulting from the use or application of the information contained in this book. The information is not intended to serve as professional advice related to individual situations. In addition, the information in this book is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Before following any suggestions contained in this book, you should consult your health care provider. Neither the author nor the publisher shall be liable or responsible for any loss or damage or injury allegedly arising as a consequence of your use or application of any information or suggestions in this book.