
Queries Post Airtel Delhi Half Marathon
Some queries post ADHM interactions being answered in general.
Barefoot strength does not only mean running barefoot. It also, and more importantly, means being barefoot strong before shod (with shoes).
Shoes are an integral part of a lot of sports (including running). Some sports, specially contact sports like football, soccer and some others like tennis, squash, golf etc are not played without appropriate footwear. This does not mean that barefoot strengthening is not meanā€¦t for such athletes. Or, someone running in shoes is necessarily barefoot weak. One can avail the intrinsic benefits of barefoot training and carry these to their respective sport(s), wearing shoes as the case may be. Going barefoot and being shod (with shoes) need not be mutually exclusive in terms of such strengthening. They should compliment each other. It is important to dispel myopic interpretations and recognise benefits of barefoot strengthening for a much wider audience than just runners.

Additionally, based on observations I feel the urge to point out that Barefoot concept should not come as such a surprise to us or be treated with misplaced awe. Going barefoot is not new to our culture. India and the eastern world in general, have a history of integrating barefoot practices ā€“ classical and folk dance, martial arts, several sports and day to day activities- that the west is only now realising. Look at our older generations. Ask your elders. They have long gone barefoot and performed several tasks barefoot knowing it is beneficial (taking early morning walks, performing exercises and yoga outside on the grass etc) with the knowledge of ancient wisdom passed down to them. And they wear footwear too. Understanding the scientific basis of the concept and implementing it in our chosen activities in a suitable form, is the key to utilising it to our benefit.
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