Keeping Running Simple

One of the things that attracted me to long-distance running is its simplicity. Put one foot in front of the other, keep your head straight, bust a gut, and you'll be fairly successful. Didn't toss up or pass out? Run harder next time!
Over the last few years, new-fangled watches, "barefoot shoes," and emphasis on footstrike positions and stride turnover frequency have made what seemed like a simple passion into something very confusing.
The New York Times Fitness Section addressed this issue with an interesting column on November 16th. The gist of the article was that the plethora of advice and ideas on running was very confusing for beginning runners, and actually discouraged people from partaking.
Concerning footstrike positions, the article quotes disinterested (read: no financial ties to sneaker companies) researchers who feel that there is no perfect running form: people run in a way that seems most natural and efficient for their bodies. Trying to alter a natural gait actually makes their running less efficient and more prone to injury. A great line came from Carl Foster, professor of exercise and sports medicine at the University of Wisconson-LaCrosse. "There is good evidence that your body is exquisitely lazy and will find the easiest way for you to run," Foster said.
Having run competitively for over 35 years, I see it all the time. Even amongst the top runners, some look graceful, others do not. Some land hard on their heel and push off, others seem to spring off their toes. Researchers in the Times article tell runners to use the form they naturally adopt.
Concerning training programs, the article warns against strict adherence to training programs that may be too unrealistic to handle. One doctor noted that two people can train at the same intensity, run the same amount of miles and perform very similarly in races. One will break down, and the other will not. Use your body's warning signs (soreness, illness, swelling) as a guide. One conclusion drawn was that the more you ran, the more likely you were to get injured (that's why I feel cross-training is key to injury prevention!).
Bottom line, if you like running, go out their and do it. Don't get intimidated by pseudo-science!