We Are Supposed to Run Barefoot

I have become a fan of barefoot running or running in the Vibram 5 Fingers shoes.  I think it helps form and helps train the nervous and sensory systems.  I have really noticed the difference when running rough trails in the 5 Fingers compared to my "normal" running shoes.  Now, all the above is purely anecdotal, non-scientific, and only my opinion (i.e. probably B.S.).

Or is it?  This story was on yesterday's broadcast of NPR's "All Things Considered":

Study:  Humans Were Born to Run Barefoot  

Summing it up, they found that barefoot runners had less collisional force during footfall when compared to those wearing running shoes.  Those in shoes were also much more prone to heel strike.  

Interesting....  Maybe I'm not completely full of B.S.  Or then again....

Mt Washington Wind Gust Now in 2nd Place

Being a New Englander and having spent some great days on Mt Washington, I was very disappointed this morning to read that the record for highest recorded wind speed on the surface of the Earth has been stolen by the Aussies (first the America's Cup and now THIS!).  


Apparently, a 253 mph wind gust was recorded in 1996 on Australia's Barrow Island during Cyclone Olivia.  This tops the 231 mph "Big Wind" recorded at the summit of Mt Washington on April 12, 1934.  The Aussies were so wrapped up in their Kangaroos and boomerangs that they failed to notice they had the record until recently.


More information: here


At least Mt Washington can still claim Tuckerman's Ravine and Huntington Ravine and the host of outdoor activities one can enjoy there.  According to Wikipedia (source of all things factual, I know) "Barrow Island is noted for its flat spinifex grasslands spotted with termite mounds."  Personally, I'll stick with the Presidential Range... 

Tuckerman's Ravine