Tri-DC Magazine has a nice write-up with Chris McDougall, author of Born to Run. It’s a nice summary of the main barefooting/minimalist talking points.
I thought this was interesting:
“Professionals who make their living from running, treating runners, or selling them gear have been receptive as well: ‘I’ve even been surprised at how many running shoe stores are eager to have me come in and talk about the lessons of the Tarahumara. I thought they would resist the book because of the way it challenges the shoe industry, but that was my mistake: I forgot that most owners of running stores are true students of the sport and want, first and foremost, to keep their customers healthy.’”
Go read the whole thing. Then read the book. I’ll wait here, drinking Tarahumara moonshine.
When I went on an Outward Bound trip back in 1990, we spent a week in Mexico building a medical clinic building for the Tarahumaras who lived there. We hiked in and out since there were no roads leading to the village. They wore these crazy sandles made out of tire tread and leather strips. The women wore full, colorful skirts, and would sit and watch us from a distance. Occasionally, they’d bring us some food (corn-meal based, usually) or water in a cup. Very friendly.