Book Review: The Barefoot Running Book by Jason Robillard
July 2nd, 2010 | 
Author: Following up on my previous post regarding my barefoot running adventures, Jason Robillard asked if I would review his book, “The Barefoot Running Book.” If you are curious about barefoot or minimalist running, this is, without a doubt, the book for you.
And I’m not just saying that. I received the book a few weeks ago, but wanted to put it through its paces myself before recommending it to my readers. And let me tell you this — it does not disappoint.
Available now on Amazon
Why Should I Run Barefoot? My Shoes Work Fine!
This book does a great job explaining why one should consider barefoot and minimalist running. And it’s not just backed up by things like “Well, I do it, so you should, too.” No, there’s actual science behind his assertions. And if there’s one thing that can get me behind any new or different aspect of fitness, it’s solid scientific backing.
Taking the Intimidation Factor Out of Barefoot Running
When I’ve mentioned my new barefoot adventures to people, their first reaction is usually shock. It just seems so, well, hard. Jason does a fantastic job of making the transition from running with shoes to running barefoot, even if you don’t do any running. He includes a number of exercises that will prepare your body and your feet for the newfound freedom of running without traditional running shoes.
Training Plans and Advanced Techniques
Jason provides a step-by-step training plan that will take you from running just a few steps all the way to running marathons. There are techniques for the beginner and then more advanced techniques for you to try once you get the basics down. The training plans are sensible, easy to follow, and completely customizable to your running level.
Personal Experience
I wanted to wait a few weeks before reviewing the book so I could put it through its paces. I learned a ton from reading the book, and it has already prevented me from developing bad habits. For instance, I had not originally planned to start out running on hard pavement, but Jason explained why I should and why it would help me in the long run. It seems counter-intuitive, but it’s really not.
I also learned a lot about how to pace myself and how long my strides should be. When I run, I love to take long strides that have me sort of leaping through the air. That’s not the style that I need for barefoot running. Once I adjusted my stride length, I really saw for myself how the techniques Jason recommends really do work. In just a few short weeks, I’ve gone from just a few hundred meters to 5 miles of barefoot running.
I will definitely be running barefoot/minimalist from now on, and without Jason’s book, I know I would have been setting myself up to do it all wrong. But his techniques have helped me to start forming good habits now that will keep me running pain and injury free from now on.
I hope I’ve piqued your interest in barefoot running, and more specifically, Jason’s book. If you’d like to purchase it for yourself and get started revolutionizing your running, the book is now available at Amazon.com.
-Drew
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Wow! never thought of training like that .. It looks interesting enough to try and its great you tried it out .. I hate when I read blogs but they that never get past being a “couch expert”
I am really glad someone finally looked into this I heard alot about it but wwasn’t too sure about it. I definitely have a look into the book. I use barefoot or socks when working out for strength to help stabilize my ankle. And I can feel the difference. What you think of the Vibram Fivefingers?
The more I read, the more I realize how much I don’t know! This is something that i never even thought of doing, let alone tried it. Thanks for the idea, I may just give it a try! I’ll have to see if it’s available in a kindle version from Amazon.
~ Kelly
Drew,
This is an interesting concept. I’ve read a little bit about barefoot running in Mark Sisson’s book. I may try this out sometime!
Alykhan
Raymond – I hate that, too. You should try it out — it’s very Zen
Michael – Yeah, it’s a LOT better when doing squats and stuff. I always use flats or go barefoot for them now.
As for the Vibrams, I had them, but they just fit my feet weird. They rubbed blisters in between my toes (which I still have, unfortunately), even with socks and vaseline. So, I had to ditch those in favor of some Saucony Kinvaras, which are very similar to the Nike Free.
Kelly – Glad I could help introduce you! It’s a lot of fun.
Alykhan – I’ve never read Sisson’s book, but now I feel as though I should. Everyone always mentions it to me.
-Drew
I’m not sure if you are familiar but Christopher Mcdougall wrote a book called Born to Run where he describes the Tarahumara Indians, a Mexican tribe of distance runners who run hundreds of miles either barefoot or with a very basic type of sandal.
It is what started this whole barefoot running scientific investigation and craze.