I’m a big fan of personal data tracking. Because of a genetic heart condition, I try to keep an eye on my heart rate when doing any sort of physical activity. I currently use a Wahoo Fitness heart rate strap + ANT+ dongle attache to the phone but I don’t use it that often either because I don’t feel like it I don’t want to go through the process of getting the thing on and just want to head out the door.
This new Kickstarter project seems to offer a simple solution. There have been strapless heart-rate monitors in the past but they’re generally considered to be pretty inaccurate. This monitor looks to be both accurate and easier to use that most heart rate watches. The display looks much more user friendly compared to some of the Polar and Suunto watches I’ve used in the past. I’ve already pledged, how about you?
(via ALPHA - the Holy Grail of Heart Rate (Look Ma, no hands!) by Liz Dickinson — Kickstarter)
Barefoot Running Resources
I often get asked about my Vibrams when I’m running and I’m very passionate and fascinated by the science and history of barefoot running so it naturally comes up in conversation quite often. A few times a year someone asks for resources to learn more and I end up digging through old e-mails to find links I sent out last and copy and paste them to the new person. I’m putting all those here on the blog for quicker reference and posterity. Enjoy!
Power of Running Barefoot
- 4 Hour Work Week Blog - Vibram Five Finger Shoes
- Set Higher Standards - Vibram Five Fingers are Worth it
- Barefoot Running
- Born, and Evolved, to Run - NY Times
- The Once and Future Way to Run - NY Times
Technique
- How to Run 50 miles: Biomechanics
- Running Clinic with Barefoot Ted
- Barefoot Running Insighs from Barefoot Ted
Barefoot Running Sites
- Born to Run by Christopher McDougall
- Finding Ultra by Rich Roll
- Eat and Run by Scott Jurek
Other
- My buddy’s Copper Canyon race
- The Psychology of Running Motivation: How to get in the right frame of mind to dominate your training
- 10 Uncommon Superfoods from the World of Ultra Endurance
My favorite barefoot shoes
- Vibram FiveFingers - I prefer and wear the Bikila model, but find the one that fits you and feels good on your feet.
- Merrell Trail Glove - I mostly wear this for hiking but occasionally will put them on for a trail run. I still prefer the extra control and grip that the toe pockets on the Vibrams give me, but these offer a great minimalist experience without the individual toe pockets and they have some nice tread on the bottom.
- Altra Instinct - For those days where it’s too rainy and I don’t want to deal with soggy Vibrams or just want to switch things up and train different muscles. These offer a traditional running shoe look with a wide toebox for barefoot feel and a zero drop heel to encourage proper form.
- Leming Footwear - My all-time favorite barefoot shoe for casual wear. The look great, have excellent barefoot feel, and are totally acceptable in a variety of social situations!
- With the exploding popularity of barefoot and minimal running there are a ton of other options out there as well. If I were to pick one from the big manufacturers I’d probably recommend the New Balance Minimus or Brooks Green Silence. There are also a few lesser-known manufacturers out there like Skora Running and Vivo Barefoot. There are a ton of options out there so do your research, try a few pairs on, and decide which shoes will be best for you. I’m a strong believer in buying a pair of Vibram’s first so that your body and feet can quickly adjust and learn to run in the barefoot minimalist style (fore-to-midfoot strike). Once your form is down, feel free to branch out and try other shoes.
