Barefoot runner sets Osan Airmen on right path

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Michael Battles
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  The Osan Air Base Fitness Center recently hosted barefoot runner and author Ashish Mukharji for a one-day lecture and clinic Dec. 8, 2011.

Mukharkji, who wrote the book "Run Barefoot Run Healthy" and has almost 24 years experience in running spoke to approximately 20 Airmen on the positive effects of barefoot running and how to prevent running injuries.

"I knew that the Air Force had an initiative to reduce training injuries," said the barefoot runner. "I've been trying to figure out who is motivated to reduce injuries. There's prevention and there's cure. And I'm on the prevention side of things."

Originally running with shoes for nearly 20 years Mukharkji said, "There's just a lot less impact when you run barefoot. It's so counterintuitive, but when you're feet feel the ground, when the nerve endings in your feet can actually touch the ground, then you run with less impact."

During the visit Mukharkji gave a 30-minute lecture to the 51st Medical Group about healthy running before hosting a three hour open running clinic at the Osan Fitness Center.

As part of the clinic, participants had their feet videotaped and individually critiqued by Mukharkji on the positive and negative forms they were using. The clinic also stressed the importance of correct running form as well as techniques to treat running injuries.

Mukharkji said after almost four years of only wearing shoes when absolutely necessary that all pain and injuries he had experienced throughout the years have subsided.

"I would love for Ashish to come each year for his lecture," said Staff Sgt. Keneka Wallace, 51st Aerospace Medicine Squadron diet therapy technician. "With Osan's high turnover, it will give Airmen a chance to have that face-to-face with someone who has experienced what they have been through and get feedback."

Before leaving Mukharkji had one final tip for service members when running, "The biggest thing about running with good form is to pull your feet up. Bend your knees and pull your feet up, don't push. If you remember that one thing, that's all you need."

For individuals interested in learning tips on healthy running the Osan Health and Wellness Centers offers a "Running 101" clinic once a month. For more information, call the HAWC at 784-4292.