For thousands of years we were barefoot. We walked, climbed, jumped, and most importantly ran barefoot. A human’s physiology and bone structure has evolved to support this movement, as it is one of the largest and most important forms of locomotion. Through the introduction of conventional running shoes in the past 40 years this instinctual movement pattern has dramatically changed, commonly resulting in joint pain and inflammation, chronic injuries, and poor performance.

Upstream Running focuses on evolutionary movement and biomechanics in order to 1. Improve performance and 2. Avoid injury. The process to achieve a fluid and natural barefoot running form can take time, the transition can be challenging, but the reward is great. We focus on the transition; the process from wearing large conventional running shoes to adopting minimalist footwear, whilst understanding the philosophy and the ability to implement it into training and drills.

Upstream Fitness currently offers the following barefoot running services: 1-on-1 training, small group training, and Upstream Running Clinics.  Our Upstream Fitness founder, Drew Wallace, leads all of our services. Drew has been a barefoot running practitioner and coach for many years, is the foremost leading expert in the Boston area, and has taught hundreds of competitive runners, athletes, and recreational runners.

1-on-1 Training

• 1^st session lasts 80 minutes. Focus: Philosophy and initial movement screening
• Subsequent sessions last 60 minutes. Focus: Drills and application
• Please inquire about availability and rates

Small Group Training

• Minimum of 2 participants, maximum of 4 participants
• 1^st session lasts 80 minutes. Focus: Philosophy and initial movement screening
• Subsequent sessions last 60 minutes. Focus: Drills and application
• Please inquire about availability and rates

Upstream Running Clinics

• Please look at our Events Page to see any upcoming clinics.
• If you are interested in hosting a clinic, please contact Drew at drew@upstreamfitness.com. In the meantime, here are some initial requirements:
• Minimum of 10 participants, maximum of 12 participants
• Indoor space to conduct power point slideshow
• Nearby outdoor space (within 1km) with grass to conduct drills and practice running technique
• To date, we have held clinics at the following locations: Crossfit Boston, Crossfit Providence, Crossfit Craic, Charles River Crossfit, Dynamic Strength & Conditioning, Avalon Crossfit, Crossfit Woodshed, Cynergy Crossfit.

Testimonials

“I really enjoyed the course and am looking forward to improving upon it…then, applying it to my running life and career. Thank you again.”
- Kevin P

“This was a great introduction to the barefoot technique! You guys presented the material in an easy to understand manner. I look forward to working on my technique. Thanks!”
- KC

“The workshop was a great balance of theory, practice, and real-time feedback”
- Ziyad

“Having literally just finished reading Born to Run this week, Drew’s presentation was in some respects, a re-iteration of some of that material. The big difference is that he answers questions, whereas the book did not  Drew also provided some more personal anecdotes about his own running evolution over time…he knows his stuff and he’s quick to show you where you can improve. From posture correcting drills, to running form with and without shoes.”

- Paul