I attended the Skechers Running Essentials Clinic

Skechers’ Fitness Ambassador, ultramarathoner and fitness coach Michelle Estuar

Coach Michelle Estuar has made her way to Davao in a Running Essentials Clinic with Skechers GoRun Philippines held at Abreeza Mall last August 24, 2012.

It was my first time to attend a running clinic. I have received a million invites to join fun runs but I've declined them all. Maybe because I feel like I'm no longer athletic enough to run, or it could also be because I'm too lazy to wake up early in the morning. The Running Essentials Clinic that I attended yesterday has really changed my views about running. Maybe in a few days, I might start to train and run...

Running has never been an easy task for me. I get tired easily, and sometimes, I can't even last running for 3 minutes. Let's just say that I prefer to walk. Little did I know that I would be able to pinpoint the culprit of my laziness through this Skechers Running Essentials Clinic.

Marathoner Raymund Libre with Coach Michelle and Me

Coach Michelle discussed the five biggest mistakes in running: over-striding, extended knees, leaning back, loud feet, and bouncing. I think I'm guilty on 3 out of 5 mistakes. On top of it all, I am a heel-striker. Heel strike sends shocks up in your joints (knees, hips, etc.) and make you feel lazy. No wonder why I can't run for long periods.

Running Essentials Clinic has taught us the proper techniques to run faster, stronger, and longer. This is in line with Skechers' advocacy to fitness, which has started sometime in February 2012. The running clinic has been going around Manila and Cebu for the past few months and now, they have invaded Davao, which has a very strong running community. The running clinic was participated by the Team Davao Runners and Team Titans.

To run faster, stronger, and longer, Coach Michelle introduced us to the technique called "mid-foot strike." She shared that most running injuries start from the wrong foot strike. The goal of this running clinic is to improve the basic foot technique. Mid-foot strike has the following benefits: you're using all of your muscles; you delay fatigue cramps; it's more efficient because you're exerting less energy but you have more output; you maintain your proper form; and there's equal energy distribution.

Meb Keflezighi wore the Skechers GOrun footwear when he recently represented the United States at the London Olympics where he placed fourth.

Going mid-foot strike cannot be done in an instant. If you've been heel-striking for so long, the use of transition shoes might help you learn the proper mid-foot strike technique.

To help runners easily transition from heel striking to mid-foot striking, they can now lace up a pair of Skechers GOrun – a new minimalistic lightweight shoe line that integrates the revolutionary mid-foot strike technology. Skechers GOrun’s mid-foot strike technology is designed to enhance the natural running performance of runners by positioning the body for an efficient mid-foot strike so that you could run faster, stronger and longer. 

Davao Team Runners, Team Titans, and other avid running enthusiasts participated in the drills taught by Coach Michelle. The drills were meant to practice the proper running technique particularly mid-foot striking. Below are short videos that I took during the running clinic:  

The participants seem to have enjoyed the drills. It lasted for almost an hour and the participants were sweating and energized after the series of jogs, kicks, and skips. Here's the last part of the drills which they call the "Super Set":

The clinic concluded with a treat from Vitamilk and a piece of banana for every participant to enjoy. I enjoyed Skechers Running Essentials Clinic and the next time that I would be invited, I'll make sure to wear my sexiest running attire complete with my pair of Skechers GoRun shoes.

The Running Essentials clinic is sponsored by 100 Plus and Vitamilk, with media partners Juice.ph, Takbo.ph, and other running blogger friends.

Skechers Marketing Associate Michelle Obligacion with bloggers Dust, Ria, and me.