Running Mates: Leo Babauta, ZenHabits.net

This article is from the author of SIMPLE Health & Fitness and founder of RunningSomewhere David Damron.

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Running Mate: Leo Babauta, author of Zen to Done and founder of ZenHabits

Before December 2005, Leo Babauta was a smoking, overweight, in debt average Joe. Then he took control of his life, became a minimalist and started running. For the most part, you will find simplifying ways at his site ZenHabits, but every so often he tells us how he has implemented running as his mode of fitness. If there is any doubt in your mind that you can become a runner or make major positive life changes, you should check out his post 2006 Year in Review –A Great Year!

Recently, Leo shared his transition to the barefoot running world. I support barefoot running and think I will eventually be primarily a barefoot runner if not VibramThe Complete Beginner’s Guide to Barefoot Running for more. runner. Check out his article

I have built a connection with Leo through my site The Minimalist Path so he was kind enough to respond to a few questions I had concerning his approach to running. I hope you enjoy…

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Answers from Leo Babauta

Q: Why do you focus so much on running as your primary workout rather than weightlifting or cross-circuit training?

Leo: Actually I don’t — running is just one of the things I do, but it’s perhaps the thing I love doing most. It’s so meditative, and it’s a great way to have a conversation with a friend. I tend to write about it more only because I know more about it — while I lift weights and do all kinds of bodyweight and MovNat and Crossfit type workouts, I am still a real beginner in all of them.

Q: Do you pronate or supinate? If either, have you seen positive corrections in your foot fall by running vibram/barefoot?

Leo: I’m pretty neutral, so I never needed any corrections. I have seen some strengthening in my feet and calves.

Q: Though Vibram’s are amazing, do you think they will fade from their current popularity?

Leo: Probably. They’re a bit of a fad right now, mostly because there isn’t anything else that’s come out yet. There are Nike Frees and a few lesser known minimalist shoes, but nothing too exciting. As more people start moving towards barefoot running, there’s no doubt that major shoe companies and probably smaller innovators will come out with great ways to cater to this new market. Probably very soon, I’d guess.

Q: Have you ever considered doing an ultramarathon?

Leo: Yes! I’d love to do one someday. Lately I’ve been focusing on shorter, faster runs, just because I got tired of longer runs and have fun doing the short ones. But once in a while I’ll get a hankering for a longer run and will go out for two or more hours, and it’s wonderful. I can imagine building up to running for five hours, and I think it would be a lot of fun.

Q: With your move to San Francisco coming very soon, have you joined any running groups or scouted out any routes?

Leo: I’ve definitely done my share of scouting. I’ve found two great running groups with regular runs and races, and will probably join both to see which is a better fit. I’ve looked at a lot of great routes through Golden Gate Park, the Presidio, along the coast, over Golden Gate Bridge, up hills and steps, through trails, even up Northern California Mountains. I’ll probably do some races — Bay to Breakers and the S.F. Marathon come to mind — but just the prospect of running through the beautiful city and its surrounding natural areas are really exciting to me.

Q: If you could run one race in the world, which would you run?

Leo: A couple years ago I would have said the Boston Marathon, because of its rich history. How amazing would it be to run through that famous route, and share that experience with some of the most enthusiastic marathoners in the world? But these days I dream of ultramarathons, and their roaming through mountains and trails and deserts and forests. There are plenty I’d love to try someday, but the Death Valley one captures my imagination the most.

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A special thanks goes out to Leo for his time and consideration.

This article is from the author of SIMPLE Health & Fitness and founder of RunningSomewhere David Damron.

(Photo Credit)