"Barefoot" Running

Received a query from a reader, which went, in part:

"I wrote a little while back asking if you knew anyone in the Brooklyn area who could coach me, even briefly, on running and I was interested in running the "barefoot" method written about in the book, "Born to Run" by Chris McDougall"

Anyone know of anyone who is specifically coaching, or groups that are training, using this method? And, I should add to cast a wider swath - any suggestions on individual training programs (I've mentioned several in the past for groups).

I run the traditional heel-toe strike method, as do most of the people I know. Then again, a guy I knew in high school whom I ran into at the Philadelphia Marathon said he'd switched his training to this method and, after some initial discomfort, felt he was running very well.

Here's an interesting article that spells out the debate, as well as touches upon a recent study.

Not taking sides here: What I would suggest is: Do what's best for you.

As in all training programs, shoes, etc. - we all have individual quirks that make some suggestions a good idea, and make others the worst thing in the world. So do what works for you.