Natural Running Center

As we enter or transition into the first weeks of the new year, it often means aligning our personal goals with training and racing in the coming months.  So now is also a good time to summarize some of the basics about transitioning to minimalism, especially for those new to natural running and who what [Read more...]

My wife’s grandmother lived to 103, and the holidays just past have reminded me of how she lived. She was not a runner, nor did she do a lot of cardio, except for sauce stirring and daily walks to markets and church. Our own local legend Frank Buckles who lived to 110 ate in this [Read more...]

For the past 12 years, I have dissected and modified hundreds of pairs of shoes, taught running form clinics around the country, opened a minimalist store in my home town of Shepherdstown, West Virginia, directed races (from 5K fun runs to marathons), got local children excited about running, and most importantly listened with all my [Read more...]

Huge Congrats to two Natural Running Center’s Partner Stores –Natural Strides Running and Elite Feet –who were selected as  one of “The 50 Best Running Stores in America” at The Running Event in Austin, Texas– which is a fast-growing expo and meeting-and-teaching ground for running store owners and their employees. Best of all, it’s where [Read more...]

Though it’s been several weeks since Freedom’s Run was held here in West Virginia,  I am still receiving emails and from visitors thanking our neighboring towns for the friendly welcome they received as runners.  We would not have been able to pull off this event — marathon, half-marathon, 10K, 5K, one-mile kids run — without [Read more...]

After organizing Freedom’s Run which is a massive logistical task of 2 states, 4 National Parks, and 3 historic towns, a small local race just for the little ones, and along with great help within our County Park, was a welcome relief.  Our small team of adult warriors from Two River Treads put on the [Read more...]

One of life’s simplest pleasures is going for a run outside. The late Dr. George Sheehan summed it up best: “Out on the roads there is fitness and self-discovery and the persons we were destined to be.” So once in a while let’s forget about footwear, performance standards, and high-tech gadgetry — and instead simply let your [Read more...]

It’s a dilemma and challenge for many marathon runners. You have two important races that are only six weeks apart, and you want to perform well in both. Several weeks ago, I placed tenth overall in the Air Force Marathon. But come next weekend, I will be racing in the Marine Corps Marathon along with [Read more...]

  Last weekend was my favorite event of the year at our small natural running and walking shoe store in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. Two Rivers Treads had its third annual Vivobarefoot kids shoe giveaway. We personally matched a contribution from Vivobarefoot and gave out close to 200 pairs of free shoes to local children.  Yes, [Read more...]

I want to share with you the amazing story of Colonel Mike Wasson. Mike is a good friend and long-time United States Air Force teammate. We are the same age (46) and have shared similar experiences in our running and busy professional careers — trying to balance family, work, health, and running. Mike shares the [Read more...]