The Start
Running didn't cone natural or easy for Gerard. A network boss/friend had to strongly convince him and wife Jan to run a 5km race at BGC a few years ago. This spark started his liking for running. They had a regular routine of short runs in UP; pretty soon,he began running by himself, then literally taking more steps towards 10km races.
"I bought the right shoes and gear, hydration belts, even head wear, and a lot more; I spent a fortune on those things,: he told frontRUNNER . The natural progression from liking the to loving, then living, took place.
Also fanning the running flame was a prominent fixture in local races. "I became part of Team Soleus, so I was all the more encouraged that I could stay long in this sport. my first 21km run was at the Globe's R4H where I ran with my good friend and co-star Bearwin (Meily). Then I ran plenty of 21k's alone 'cause my wife always settled for 5l." Gerard added.
Asked what motivated him to run barefoot, the 36-year-old actor replied, " I read Born to Run and was instantly inspired. as much as I enjoyed running, I really didn't enjoy having blisters, foot pain, leg pain and patay na kuko (dead toenails), and the book taught me a lot about running properly and enjoying it as well. My first attempt to run barefoot was in Amoranto and it was the longest 400 I ever ran! Then I gradually increased distance and changed venues. A s i was already getting the hang of it, I also noticed that I wasn't experiencing fatigue each time; no pain anywhere, well except for tiny blisters during the first few attempts. After a while, I was already doing 3k and 5k weekend runs."
Running didn't cone natural or easy for Gerard. A network boss/friend had to strongly convince him and wife Jan to run a 5km race at BGC a few years ago. This spark started his liking for running. They had a regular routine of short runs in UP; pretty soon,he began running by himself, then literally taking more steps towards 10km races.
"I bought the right shoes and gear, hydration belts, even head wear, and a lot more; I spent a fortune on those things,: he told frontRUNNER . The natural progression from liking the to loving, then living, took place.
Also fanning the running flame was a prominent fixture in local races. "I became part of Team Soleus, so I was all the more encouraged that I could stay long in this sport. my first 21km run was at the Globe's R4H where I ran with my good friend and co-star Bearwin (Meily). Then I ran plenty of 21k's alone 'cause my wife always settled for 5l." Gerard added.
Asked what motivated him to run barefoot, the 36-year-old actor replied, " I read Born to Run and was instantly inspired. as much as I enjoyed running, I really didn't enjoy having blisters, foot pain, leg pain and patay na kuko (dead toenails), and the book taught me a lot about running properly and enjoying it as well. My first attempt to run barefoot was in Amoranto and it was the longest 400 I ever ran! Then I gradually increased distance and changed venues. A s i was already getting the hang of it, I also noticed that I wasn't experiencing fatigue each time; no pain anywhere, well except for tiny blisters during the first few attempts. After a while, I was already doing 3k and 5k weekend runs."
My Training plans for Barefoot Running
by Gerard Pizarras
Before embarking on the training program to run barefoot, you have to first check and improve your posture. Some runners bend forward from the waist, thus straining their backs, or bow their heads, causing shoulder and neck pain/strain. Standing against the wall with your ears, shoulders, hips, and feet aligned would determine good posture. With this correct body alignment, you won't experience too much stress on your lower back when running. It also means you'll have good running form. Good form is important to avoid pain and discomfort while running. It could a decrease your chances of getting running injuries. My training plans focuses primarily on strengthening the feet. Out feet carry all our weight; therefore, if we have strong feet, we have strong foundation. having weak feet means we don't have the strength and endurance to maintain proper form. Foot exercises
Squats 3 sets of 10 repetitions (heels up) Lunges 3 sets of 10 repetitions *Until you can do jumping squats and polymetric lunges. | Yoga poses You can also do the following
If you have never run barefoot, you need to strengthen your feet following a process. Progression is needed! Stage 1 (walking barefoot) Pain is a good teacher. Don't do too much to soon. The skin on the soles of our feet is soft is not used to the sensory inputs of the ground, but will eventually adapt to it through time. Walk barefoot for 400 meters on the first day. Add 400 meters more the next day or on your next session, and so on. do this for 3 weeks. Stage 2 (running in place) This prepares the bones, ligaments, tendons and muscles of your feet for running actual distances. Stage 3 (light barefoot running) This should be easy, light and short. Start jogging on a rubberized oval. 400m/Rest/ 800m/Rest 1.2km (just add 400m every run) Stage 4 (Bahala ka na) Listen to your body. It will tell you if you are doing something wrong. Your goal should be pain-free movement. Enjoy the process. KEEP YOUR FEET ON THE GROUND! published on: frontRUNNER/VOLUME III ISSUE 3 2012 pp.34-35 |