Is running getting too complicated?

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/15/health/nutrition/for-beginning-runners-advice-can-be-a-hurdle.html?_r=2&src=rechp

The best piece of advice in that whole article: it takes longer than you think. Be patient.

Interesting - and I agree that, at times, it can seem sort of overwhelming. The best advice that I've gotten/read is to not run all of the time the same - make the fast runs fast and the slow runs slow. But at the end of the day, running is just running.

I have noticed, in spite of what some authors suggest, that my son (who is now 6) runs with a decided heel strike - always has. I don't agree that we all run a certain way and then we grow up and forget how to run well. I know Born to Run makes a very compelling argument for mid/fore striking. As a fairly heavy heel striker it sounds great, but in reality I don't know that I will ever be the "perfect" runner. A buddy of mine told me that I have a very awkward (ie ugly) running style. Oh well - maybe it will improve over time....

Sammy Wanjiru was a slight heel striker but had great form. Born to Run has its merits, but that whole evolutionary basis crap is a bunch of garbage. The author is cashing in on the speaking circuit as he continues to proliferate his theory and observations. There is truly no scientific basis for his claims. I guess there may be some future studies that may come out and time will tell. I will admit I purchased some discounted Vibram Five Fingers for a small percentage of my running to build foot strength to avoid PF and other running maladies.

It can be. And there's temptation to suffer from "too many cooks in the kitchen." There are many ways to succeed; find an approach you believe in and stick with it.