Barefoot Running and Minimalist Running Shoes

Good day!

To my surprise, it proved to be that the main thing 90% of amateur runners want to know and want to be good at is a technique for running long distances. Why am I surprised? Just because there had never be a “cult of running techniques” among professional marathoners. Of course, elite runners can practice some elements of their running technique, but they don’t devote as much time as you think to this component while training. It’s because, after all, the development of power and functional capabilities of a sportsman mainly contributes to the growth of sporting results.

The term of “natural running” has been used relatively recently and appeared partly thanks to sports marketing. So, in my opinion - of course it’s just my personal opinion- I think we should consider individual characteristics of a runner in choosing a running technique. Don’t break up a sustainable system whatever it is and don’t expose your musculoskeletal system to unjustified risk by moving to a new motor pattern. Remember that an injury reduction is a primary goal of a “natural running” technique. But in many cases, it turns out - quite the opposite. 

So, I would recommend you to be very careful attempting to switch to such a technique and following relevant recommendations for shoes as well. All of this can turn out badly for an unprepared musculoskeletal system.

As regards the opportunity to keep this running technique during the whole marathon distance, I can say this “option” will be hardly available for every runner due to differences in fitness level, state of muscles and tendons. And, after a while, the odds are that you begin to change your foot strike pattern from a forefoot strike to a heel strike, because relevant muscle groups are fatigued.