Barefoot Training/Running

As some of you may know, but most probably won’t, I like to do my fair share of running and training with no shoes on. I began this around the start of the year, inspired by Luke Mcguire and the video from Phillip Doyle, and saw it as a great thing to implement into my training.

Recently it has become a larger part of my training, and the source of many discussions between myself and members of Sydney Parkour (who can see the benefits), as well as ignorant school friends who love their new, highly cushioned shoes, and think I am a fool for running barefoot.

I am going to start off with advocating the practise of barefoot training and running, and some of the successes I have had.

Firstly barefoot training/running is a good way of conditioning the foot, ankle, calf, shin and thigh muscles and ligaments – provided the correct technique is used – and I find it helps to sort out many niggling injuries, as well as strengthening the arches of the foot. I used to have a little knee/shin problem, caused mainly by not warming up fully, and from weak shins and calves. After some rest I decided to go running barefoot and train barefoot a bit more, to teach me to really limit the impact. Since then I havent had any problems, and it seems to have sorted itself out.

Wizzles of Oz II

Well, its ages since I have posted on here, so I figured I’d update you with whats been going on, Down Under.

Training is going good, I’ve seen some nice improvements in strength, however mental confidence has gone down a little. I did do the small wharf jump in Sydney a few weeks ago, something I’ve been wanting to do for a while. It consists of jumping from the land to a thin, swaying piece of wood which is about 8 feet above Sydney Harbour. The gap isn’t far, however the many variables and possibility of swimming with the fishes in the Harbour make it quite a challenge. I guess that pushed my confidence up quite a bit. I remember feeling quite light headed after doing it, whether that was from the swaying of the wharf or not, I don’t know!

Currently I am saving up for the National Gathering, which this year is held in Canberra – basically its 3 days of training with the locals of the city, and whoever else from around the country turns up! I’m hoping to meet people from Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane, and possibly Perth. But how does Wizzles have money you ask?!

I’m currently working (yay!) in a restaurant, with fairly good hours – evenings at weekends, so I have the rest of the days to train.

Also, I am training to be able to teach at the Australian Parkour Association classes in Sydney, along with other members of Sydney Parkour. I have helped run a few classes already, and hopefully I’ll get my assistant instructor t-shirt soon. Should be teaching again this Sunday 13th July.

I have made a few little videos at my park and village, I think you’ve already seen them, but Im currently working on a Winter 08 video. I had planned to go many places in my 3 week break, like Sutherland and stay at a friends house, but that probably won’t happen anymore. Oh well, I have filmed a few things at home, and will probably do some in Sydney and Penrith as well.

Wizzles Of Oz!

Hey guys, thought you may like to hear a little about training “Down Under”!

Recently I have been involved with the media quite a bit, doing a piece in the Penrith Star newspaper with a friend, which has attracted quite a few new people in the local area. I have also been contacted by another local newspaper, the Hawkesbury Gazette, to do another piece on Monday. You can find the Penrith Star article here, along with the photo-shoot: P.S ARTICLE