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Tread Lightly

Form, Footwear, and the Quest for Injury-Free Running

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Tread Lightly

By: Bill Larson, Peter Larson
Narrated by: Richard Allen
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About this listen

Humans evolved over the millennia to become one of the most exceptional distance-running species on Earth. So why are injuries so common? Are our shoes to blame, or is it a question of running form, training, or poor diet? In this groundbreaking book, Peter Larson and Bill Katovsky explore the reasons why runners experience injuries and offer potential solutions to the current epidemic of running-related injuries. Their findings, gleaned from research studies and conversations with leading footwear scientists, biomechanical experts, coaches, podiatrists, physical therapists, and competitive runners, are informative and enlightening.

Topics include:

  • How modern runners differ from their ancestors
  • Why repetitive stress causes most injuries, and how runners can safely reduce their occurrence
  • The pros and cons of barefoot running
  • Why it’s time to move beyond the pronation-control paradigm with running shoes
  • How certain running-form flaws might increase injury risk
  • How footwear has evolved over the past 10,000 years
  • The recreational runner
  • Why running shoes are not inherently evil

Tread Lightly is a highly listenable, multifaceted investigation of running - past and present, with a hopeful look to the future.

©2012 Peter Larson and Bill Katovsky (P)2013 Audible, Inc. Pain Management Physical Illness & Disease Running & Jogging

Editor reviews

Runners experience a plethora of nagging injuries and pain, making this a valuable examination into the evolution, history, and future of the human body as it pertains to running. Bill Katovsky and Peter Larson look at how footwear, form, and food can impact the body, providing guidelines and possible solutions to the wear-and-tear that comes with constant running. Richard Allen displays a deft command while also performing with a light, agreeable touch, creating a welcoming and reassuring environment. Tread Lightly is an illuminating resource that will hopefully make shin splints and plantar fasciitis a thing of the past.

Critic reviews

"Larson presents a wealth of balanced info on the raging debate over proper running form and minimalist running shoes." (Erin Beresini, Outside Online)
“Peter Larson is both a scientist and a realist when it comes to running shoes, and that's a good combination.” (Amby Burfoot, "Peak Performance Blog", Runner's World)
Most relevant

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Definitely if they are into running. Provides a concise review of the data available on form and equipment.

Have you listened to any of Richard Allen’s other performances? How does this one compare?

First time listening to Richard Allen. Found him quite annoying at first, sounded like a robot was reading - very stop start with little fluidity. You get used to it after a while but would make me think twice about purchasing a book read by him again.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Felt a bit left on my own. I was hoping they would tell me one way or another to go barefoot or use runners. Not the books fault, I guess its just more complicated than two choices but the book did give a good guide to what might be right for you.

Highly informative

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This is an interesting review of scientific research with regard to running and injury prevention. There is good advice and the book is easily comprehensible.

The narrator brings life to the work. But there is one really annoying problem to me. A minor one perhaps.

This is not the only audio book in which the narrator makes this error and it often occurs in scientific-based works. But please, narrators and producers, the authors don't talk about "CASUAL" links they talk about "CAUSAL" links and relationships!

This mistake occurred so often that I found myself exclaiming "CAUSAL!" out loud while running much to the astonishment of passers-by who probably thought this was some kind of new running mantra.

CAUSAL!!! <br />

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I loved this book, was great information for any runner.
I would recommend it for beginner to any advanced stage as lots of useful tips and Information to help prevent injury. good information from studies carried out over the years also

Good book

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Where does Tread Lightly rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Mid-pack

What was one of the most memorable moments of Tread Lightly?

Description of shoe store sales pitches. How corrupt and scripted they are.

What does Richard Allen bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

GREAT VOICE.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No.

Any additional comments?

Very Objective and balanced account of the industry and running in general.

Must read for Runners

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decent book if interested in facts and figures , not necessarily the book for a gripping story .
horses for courses

good for reference

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Found it very informative and learnt a lot. Also reiterated info I've heard before

Informative

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Dense with useful, unbiased and scientific research on everything regarding running. Allows you to understand how all the factors play a role in injury and recovery, and how to implement the information according to your body type, running style, without giving only one solution that fits all.

Incredibly insightful

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a thorough and well researched overview of the topic. I learned from it for sure

very interesting

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A really interesting insight into improving as a runner and some of the misconceptions that we have based on the information provided by the industry. The narrator’s voice was at times monotonous but this did not detract from the quality of the book.

Interesting and informative

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While not the most engaging audiobook it is without doubt outstanding for its depth and breadth. This book looks at all the topics in running and balances the competing ideas expressed in research and by other authors. I recommend this book to anyone interested in the science and theory of running.

Stunning depth and breadth

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