Barefoot running: Greatest training tool

CEBU, Philippines – A new perspective was introduced to Cebu's running community as former speed skater and professional level cyclists, Michael Sandler introduced barefoot running as "the greatest training tool in the world."

Run Bare co-founder Sandler, who's been running barefoot for six years and wife Jessica Lee for one and a half year, shared their experiences and how barefoot running came into being.

Sandler suffered multiple injuries over the course of a lifetime, the last of which occurred just over four years ago.

Doctors told him - he may not be able to keep his leg… he may not be able to walk again… and he most definitely would never be able to run again.

Fortunately, Sandler doesn't believe in limitations. Slowly but surely, through a combination of determination, meditation, trust in the universe and the power of nature, along with a healthy dose of rebelliousness, Sandler became a walking miracle.

Only a week out of his living room hospital-bed in 2006, he set the record for finishing the Bolder Boulder on crutches (and with a broken arm). Two weeks later, Sandler finished the Denver Half Marathon on crutches (second to last) and became the only person to ever complete the half marathon on crutches.

When he finally got off his crutches, Sandler gradually worked himself into barefoot running. He was still being told he couldn't run anymore, and with a 'leg length discrepancy' of over 10 millimeters, struggled to find balance and overcome nagging pain.

"My leg was saved but with a titanium femur and hip (and near 1 inch leg-length discrepancy) told me I'd be lucky to walk again, and to forget about ever running. They were right, too, until I took off my shoes, felt the ground, and began to heal. Now I run 10-20 miles a day barefoot, touching the earth and feeling stronger with each step," said Sandler.

Sandler cited advantages and the benefits every runner will gain with barefoot running. It activates many more small muscle groups than running in shoes. It allows runners to run as their hunter-gatherer ancestors did - the natural way the body was intended to run.

It heals old sports injuries by promoting a more natural form. It gives us greater feedback with the ground and by keeping runners lower to the ground, it helps prevent new injuries.

"Barefoot running naturally promotes better, more efficient running posture and allows runners to surpass any speed they were ever able to attain with shoes. While the body heals, strengthens and economizes, the spirit heals and awakens.

There's something to be said about feeling the earth beneath one's feet - feeling connected and grounded with nature. Suddenly, you're thinking more clearly and you're on top of the world," Sandler said. (FREEMAN)