A new fad for runners is barefoot running, or better known as minimalist running. I my self am a "minimalist" and I believe that it does help. it supposedly prevents chronic injury in the future. I would highly recommend this, from experience as a cross country runner. at first yes it will hurt, but after 1 or 2 weeks shin splints and calf soreness will fade. for this, shoe wise (if you don't want to go straight into running with no shoes) i recommend the Merrell Trail gloves. i personally use these, and i love them, i have never had a better running shoes. with minimalist running my form actually improved on its own. this is because when you begin running "minimal" after a while if you don't run with proper form it begins to hurt. you're form will improve, and trust me, you will get loads better, whether you are just an active runner or you run competitively.

I would suggest when transitioning into minimalist running, you start soft, maybe wearing minimal or no shoes every once and a while. this is only to allow your feet to get used to slamming on the ground so hard. but it won't last long. highly recommended for long distance runners.

Here's the link to Merrell's website, for the shoes:

http://www.merrell.com/US/en-US/Product.mvc.aspx/31962M/78031/Mens/Barefoot-Run-Trail-Glove-2-Online-Lime?dimensions=0

These are my key strengths from the university of Pennsylvania authentic happiness, VIA strengths survey. I found that survey to be quite accurate, actually. Your Top Strength

Humor and playfulness You like to laugh and tease. Bringing smiles to other people is important to you. You try to see the light side of all situations.

Your Second Strength

Hope, optimism, and future-mindedness You expect the best in the future, and you work to achieve it. You believe that the future is something that you can control.

Your Third Strength

Industry, diligence, and perseverance You work hard to finish what you start. No matter the project, you "get it out the door" in timely fashion. You do not get distracted when you work, and you take satisfaction in completing tasks.

Your Fourth Strength

Zest, enthusiasm, and energy Regardless of what you do, you approach it with excitement and energy. You never do anything halfway or halfheartedly. For you, life is an adventure.

Your Fifth Strength

Honesty, authenticity, and genuineness You are an honest person, not only by speaking the truth but by living your life in a genuine and authentic way. You are down to earth and without pretense; you are a "real" person.

Streamline and kick

Last week during swim practice my coach talked to me about being more streamline off the walls and getting my dolphin kick going earlier and faster. If I am able to do this I will be able to get to the surface faster and get my stroke going quicker. Doing this will improve my times significantly.
To be able to do this I have been trying extra hard to get dolphin kicks going off every turn during practice. This may tire me out at first, but in the end it'll improve my kick and make me stronger.

the curious case of Alec Briggs

Four score and 17 years ago, I was born here in the one and only Jackson, Michigan. Times have been troubling, for the great prison we call high school holds me captive. I keep in solitude for I must write this piece for what one would call a genius hour. Society is very pecuniary; greed strikes the citizen's like Mike Tyson's fist greeting the surface of an opponents face.
My partner, Mr. Lark Peterson; a Great man of the senior status, shall assist me in my travels to seek the true meaning of what makes good form or what type of equipment or apparel is deemed necessary for the ravishing sports of water crawling and running. Our goal, if we are to achieve it, will be to accomplish what every man dreams, we will learn the key to the perfect life fulfilled with fitness and excellence.

Signing out for the first time, with many times to follow,

Alec Briggs

This is the start like a race

I'm Lark Peterson and I'm a 17 year old high school student in Jackson Michigan. I run and swim and rarely do my homework. I'm doing this blog for a genius hour in AP Psych with my partner, Alec Briggs.

In this blog we will look at running and swimming forms. Also, we will look at the best equipment for both running and swimming. We will explain how to use running and swimming to become fit. 

In the end we want to give you an explanation of how to run and swim with the best form and let you know what's the best equipment to buy. We will search the web and running magazines to find the best form and reviews for the newest and best equipment. We will be blogging to you in the coming weeks.