Summary: Ken Bob Saxton is the leading instructor of barefoot running in the country having run barefoot himself since the 1970s. He has been featured on ABC World News, NPR, Runner’s World magazine, The New York Times as well as many other newspapers, magazine, radio and television appearances around the world. He has also been acknowledged as the “great bearded sage” of barefoot running in the bestseller Born to Run, by Chris McDougall, who calls Ken Bob “The Master of Barefoot Running.” Ken Bob has completed more than 400 races barefoot, including 79 marathons barefoot (and one marathon in shoes), and one ultra-marathon. Ken Bob has qualified for the Boston Marathon several times and has ran it twice. He completed a marathon-a-month challenge in 2004, which he topped with 14 marathons in 2006, including 4 marathons in a 15-day period – all barefoot. He believes that running shouldn't be work, but rather fun and enjoyable. He's also the author of Barefoot Running Step by Step along with co-author Roy Wallack. In this episode, we talk all things barefoot running with a particular focus on those that are curious, want to experiment or looking to get started. Some of the topics we discuss include: Why barefoot running How to properly start off with barefoot running Why minimalist shoes are not suitable to "transition" to barefoot running The importance of landing gently on your feet Common fears debunked about glass, hard surfaces and injuries to your feet Why running on soft surfaces is not optimal when first starting out If you aren't sure if barefoot running is for you, Ken Bob still offers experience from barefoot running that can help you improve your running form and reducing the risk of injury. He offers fresh ideas and perspective from his 4 decades of experience. Some of it may surprise you! Quick Tip In the quick tip, I offer a tip on using your upper body to increase your turnover towards the goal of 180 steps per minute. Links Mentioned in the Show barefootrunning.com - Ken Bob Saxton's website on barefoot running Barefoot Running Step by Step - Ken Bob's book Yahoo! Original Barefoot Running Forum
