One foot in front of the other.
Yesterday evening, at 5:30 on a particularly beautiful day here in New York City, a group of runners met at The Bosthouse in Central Park. We were meeting with the common interest, not only of running, but of running smart and running healthy. The vehicle through which this took place was Newton Running.
We were met by Danny, Ian and Ian. Danny, being one of the founders of Newton was not only INCREDIBLY in touch with his product (obviously), but is one of the foremost experts on running in the world today. With the help of the Ian’s, Danny explained in very clear terms the theory and technique behind using the Newtons to further proper running technique. What was of great advantage was the fact that what Danny was explaining is not some revolutionary concept that ad piles upon piles of numbers to digest, but rather, was simply common sense and utilizes our true “natural” running technique.
After we met, we went up to a part of the park where there was a traffice turn around (fortunately with no traffic) so that we could run around the circle to nail down the technique. One of the FIRST things we did was TAKE OFF OUR SHOES! I think it is important to note, to the Newton skeptics out there, that 1. Not everyone was wearing Newtons. and 2. They explained the technique WAY before the technology.
We then went on a short group run on the bridle path (not too sure how far) and during the run, the Newton crew was taking the time to look at our strides one at a time and gives us tips and encouragement. They also were more than happy to answer any questions that we had.
I will go more into detail about some of the things we discussed on next week’s show, but for now, suffice it to say that if Newton is EVER in your area you should go talk to them. In the meantime, I will be putting up videos every day (if I can remember) that come from Newton themselves. If you would like to explore more about Newton, please visit their site, or feel free to ask me any questions if that is easier for you and I can pass them along. However, they are extremely accessible and I’m sure would be hapy to help out with anything you may want to know!!
For my part, I would like to say thank you so very, very much to everyone from Newton!! If you guys EVER want to do another thing in NYC, you can count on me to drum up as many people as I can get my hands on!!
Thanks so much for visiting my site! My name is Brandon Wood and I am an opera singer living and trying to make it in New York City. This site and podcast follow my adventures on the way to competing in and training for all kinds of endurance events, especially triathlon and running. Click the "About Me" tab for more info!
Brandon,
Glad to hear that things went so well with the Netwon Clinic and can't wait to hear what you have learned. Also, I enjoyed the podcast, though must take this opportunity to poke a little fun your way. As a listened, I started to get the feeling the at any moment you would exclaim "Can I get an AMEN, PEOPLE!" when talking of forefoot running. It had an almost southern tent revial-esque quality to it; all that was missing were the white chairs and paper fans!
I deeply admire your passion for the sport and the tenacity to continue to "spread the word" (as it were), and feel you are doing a great service to the running community.
Trea: We're still here, we're still behind you, and we'll be with you all the way to the finish line, wherever that may be. Keep it going!
Jay
Well Jay? Can I get my AMEN now?? HAHA!! Anyway, I think I feel SO passionately about it because I am NOT a runner, and the only way I have been able to remake myself is with proper and more importantly, HEALTHY technique!! Otherwise, I'd be curled up in a shuddering ball on the side of a 5K somewhere!!
I'll grab my white robe, start my soulful chant and follow you into the water! (I'm suddenly flashing on the "O Brother Where Art Thou?" scene!!)
Thank u Jay I really appreciate the support.
It's nice to know you care.
Regards
Trea
Brandon,
I've been listening to your show for a few weeks now thanks to the guys on Running With The Pack. Keep up the good work it's great. I'm really glad the subject of forefoot running has come up as I am a convert.
So far though I have been running forefoot in my structured trainers because I didn't have the money to pay out for new ones. To be honest I was also sceptical about the whole thing but being one to at least try, I gave it a go.
Now my question is do I need to buy some neutral trainers or do I really Newtons (which I can't afford) or Nike free's (cheaper) etc? I'm just worried that I run quite alot (50-60 miles per week) and 1. it's going to take a long time to get used to them and 2. They will hurt my feet when running marathons because of the lack of cushioning.
Thanks in advance.
Matt
Hey there Matt,
Thank you for listening! You do not need Newtons. Forefoot/midfoot/chi running is all about technique, period. About cushioning, many studies have shown (I'll see if I can find some) that the more cushioning a shoe has, the harder your foot strikes the ground. I personally ran my first marathon in Newtons and would do nothing else. Newton are NOT particularly cushioned and the foam that is used in their shoes is nowhere near as soft as what most other shoe companies use. Also, keep in mind that it has only been the past 30 years that we have had "running shoes", and before that people were running just as far in shoes that were barely more than slippers. Your feet will be fine.
As fr the price thing; keep an eye on Newton over the next few months for different prices. Right now, you will see that the racers are all $155 (and if your technique is good it won't matter the mileage). While this is still expensive, it is less. Also, I have seen Newtons (NEW) on Ebay, so just go to Ebay and search for Newton Running. Again, running healthy is NOT about the shoes, but they, in my opinion, make it that much better.
BW