SERIOUS runners usually equip themselves with proper running gear, especially when taking on marathons or half marathons. The importance of comfortable and proper footwear cannot be overstated in influencing performance.
But Chua Wei Tiong, affectionately known as Jones among his friends and fellow runners in the running fraternity, decided to go barefoot after his inaugural participation in the Penang International Half-Marathon in 2009.
Considering that he was a newcomer to the half marathon, clocking 2 hours 50 minutes in his debut was itself a remarkable feat. But Wei Tiong was not satisfied with his sub-three-hour finish. He then set his sights on breaking the two-hour barrier.
“I decided to discard the shoes during both training and competition. Running barefoot, in my belief, offers unique benefits.
“There are often myths propagated by various sources when you undertake any unconventional approach. After my first half-marathon in 2009, I embraced barefoot running, and since then I have been enjoying it.
“While some argue that running on public roads may lead to knee injuries, I have not encountered any such issues. To me, our public roads are fairly well maintained.
“I believe that natural running without footwear minimises the impact on our knees. We often overlook the fact that specific footwear or running shoes might not suit our feet. Therefore, running barefoot helps strengthen our foot muscles, contributing to the stabilisation of a flat arch,” Wei Tiong said.
But Wei Tiong 46, has a word of caution for diabetic runners. He advises them to take precautionary measures to avoid potential foot injuries.
“I strongly advise that diabetic runners stay clear of running barefoot or consult a medical practitioner. For a diabetic, it may take a long healing process for wounds,” said Wei Tiong, who hails from Kangar in Perlis.
Following his first half-marathon run in 2009 as a casual entrant to secure the coveted finishing medal, Wei Tiong developed a profound passion for running.
Initially, Wei Tiong was a basketball player before he ventured into extreme sports. Then, he chose to become a long-distance runner.
“Basketball is a physically demanding contact sport, demanding peak fitness to compete effectively,” said Wei Tiong
Standing at about 180cm tall and weighing 60kg, Wei Tiong is a motivator for aspiring young runners. He has taken on the role of guiding a group of novice runners to enhance their timing and encourage them to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
“I have mentored several amateur runners, and I am glad to witness them achieve their personal bests,” he said.
A website designer by profession, Wei Tiong is a skilled clay and digital sculptor and mold maker. Aside from work, he consistently dedicates considerable effort to his barefoot running programmes.
Through his training, he consistently bettered his personal records in various run categories, including 5km, 10km, 21km or even full marathons spanning 42km.
After registering 2 hours 50 minutes in his first half marathon, he successfully achieved his target of bringing it down to below 2 hours within a year, all the while running barefoot.
A regular full marathon participant in the annual Penang Bridge International Marathon (PBIM), Wei Teong’s determination is evident in his commitment to training.
So determined was he that he ran 21km daily for two consecutive months to prepare himself for last year’s PBIM. He eventually succeeded in setting a personal best of 3:29.0.
“The training was challenging, but it is achievable by anyone. I want to do better in this year’s marathon,” Wei Tiong said.
At 46 years old this year, Chua does not exhibit any signs of slowing down. On the contrary, he is determined to push his endurance levels to the limit.
“It is important to embrace the ‘just train it’ motto, keeping it engrained in our minds and the results will eventually follow.
“I aspire to see the barefoot running community grow, and I hope more people will come to know its benefits,” he added.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix courtesy of Chua Wei Tiong