My business partner, mentor, coach and friend, Dr. Mark Cucuzzella, and our late friend, Bill Katovsky ( founder of Tri-Athlete magazine), started the Natural Running Center in 2011. Our purpose was twofold: to exchange knowledge and ideas with one another; and to easily communicate their findings and writings with all runners. And thus the Natural Running Center was born– a virtual home for this new “re-evolution” in running. Like our tagline says – “Learn, Evolve. Run!”
We’ve come a long way from barefoot running to barefoot shoes to minimalist running shoes to lightly cushioned shoes today. But sustainable injury-free running is natural running – that will never change. Run with any type of shoes in natural running form for the long term…
Along with these two videos, Dr. Mark’s book, Run For Your Life, is certainly the perfect training companion. Dr. Mark explains the simple mechanics of how our bodies have evolved and adapted to run. Despite our natural ability and our human need to run, each year more than half of all runners suffer injuries. Pain and discouragement inevitably follow. Dr. Mark’s book outlines the proven, practical techniques to avoid injury and reach the goal of personal fitness and overall health.
Barefoot Shoes 2.0. The pendulum is swinging back to minimalist shoes from maximalist shoes… coming soon.
Reposting our original article on the Natural Running Center now that Dr. Mark’s book has been available for a few years now.
For the past 12 years, I have dissected and modified hundreds of pairs of shoes, taught running form clinics around the country, opened a minimalist store in my home town of Shepherdstown, West Virginia, directed races (from 5K fun runs to marathons), got local children excited about running, and most importantly listened with all my senses –starting with my bare soles –as I developed into a healthier and stronger runner.
Yet unless runners understand the important principles of the gait cycle, or running movement, it can be difficult to know how to make the personal (and go-it-slow, gradual) adaptation to natural running.
Still, it bears mentioning: natural running is not a brand or specific method, but rather what humans have done for millions of years.
Although this video might appear technical in a few places, the information can be easily learned for all runners. Also included in the video are some simple drills that will help you run natural. Feel free to share this video with others!
I want to especially thank all who have helped me on my journey as a runner and teacher. Many are mentioned in the credits. This list is in no way all inclusive as I learn something everyday from runners and colleagues.
Dr. Mark Cucuzzella
