Whether you’re a barefoot aficionado, a relative newcomer or still pondering whether or not to make the switch, learning the correct barefoot running technique is essential. Research about the benefits and ‘how to’s’ on barefoot running are aplenty, but here Merrell Pack Leader and barefoot running specialist, Piers Stockwell, gives you his bite size top 10 tips on how to achieve the perfect Merrell Bareform running technique.

Spending many hours seated at desks or in front of a TV has allowed our bodies to grow into the shape of a chair – tight hip flexors, weak gluteal muscles and no ankle flexibility. This week’s post will explain postural issues, how it affects our running stride and how to fix it. Remember, the more often you stretch in the day – ideally for 15-30secs – the quicker your muscles will grow longer.

Lowri Morgan is an adventurer and ultra-endurance marathon runner, having competed in some of the most extreme races in the world. She is one of only six people to ever complete the notoriously difficult 6633 Ultra in the Arctic, a 350 mile non-stop footrace over eight days. Despite being told she would not be able to run competitively again after a serious knee operation, she has since competed in numerous marathons as well as the illustrious Ironman Challenge and Jungle Ultra Marathon in the Amazon Forest.

What sparked your interest in barefoot running?
I first became interested in barefoot running to improve my efficiency for long distance events. I looked at efficiency in terms of biomechanics and realised that we run most biomechanically efficiently when we are bare foot. This is the way our bodies are designed to be as our bodies haven’t changed much since caveman days! For a long distance event, the more efficient you are, the more energy you will have at the end of the race where it matters most.

What inspired you to become a Royal Marine Officer?
It was a fortuitous route actually. I travelled for a year in Australia after school working and learning to dive. I then made my way to Cyprus and worked as a dive instructor for a year or so, before coming back and joining the Royal Navy with a view to becoming a mine clearance diver. However, after a few days’ experience with the Royal Marines I transferred straight away and loved it. I spent the next 8 years with the Royal Marines.

What was your most challenging adventure with the Marines?
Working for Nelson Mandela on the peace process in South Africa would probably be my most challenging adventure with the Marines. We had to assist with the guerrilla army being integrated into the South African army with the whole world watching and worried about how things would shape out.

You left to pursue a career leading expeditions. What prompted this change?
I was 29 years old and having a great time with the Royal Marines but was really missing the sea and diving. I had always wanted to lead expeditions, explore and dive so I decided to take a chance and went off to study Marine Biology.

What’s the greatest expedition you’ve ever led?
It’s difficult to say really, there have been many projects over the years that are all so different. I’d say the most momentous was the discovery of a sunken city off the coast of Tamil Nadu in India. The initial feeling was one of disbelief. The sheer scale of the site was so impressive, and the fact that it was so close to shore. This gradually gave way to absolute elation.

What leadership qualities are required when heading up an expedition?
You have to be well organised and lead from the front. Everything has to be well planned out and you can’t take any shortcuts. Some people experience genuine pressure and stress when out on an expedition so you have to be sympathetic and listen. Everyone has their own style but I always make sure I’m approachable to everybody in my group.

How does it feel being able to share your experiences with millions on TV?
It’s amazing! I go to some very special places, meet incredible people and see some fascinating animals. It really is incredible to be able to showcase my experiences and share them with others. I love it and am very lucky to do what I’m doing.

Tell us about your dog Reuben.
Reuben is a big part of my life; he’s my right-hand-man and constant companion. He was abandoned twice when he was young so when I picked him up we spent six months alone together in Scotland. He’s the perfect travel companion and makes me laugh my head off. Everyone knows him now too which is great and he gets all the adulation.

What’s been your career highlight?
Being among bull sharks, tiger sharks and great whites in Aliwal Shoal, South Africa was amazing. I’ve swum with baby humpbacks in Tonga and seen seven sunfish at once in Bali. However I’d have to say that I hope the best is yet to come!

Where did the idea of the 7 ultramarathons come from - was it yours?
I was out racing in the Ice Marathon in Antarctica anyway- I’m always keen to max out any trip and thought I’d take the long way home, seeing some of the most epic places on earth. However as a doctor we get pretty short holidays so I had to do the 7 ultra marathons in a week

You obviously do long distance events regularly, did you have to change your training much in preparation?
I ran a maximum of 185 miles per week, for a fortnight. I also deliberately did a few night runs to prepare me for the jet lag. The severity of the weather was difficult to prepare for. Even Aberdeen is no match for Antarctica temperature wise

Monty Halls embodies the Merrell mission to increase participation in the outdoors, with his passion for getting outside, discovering more about the natural world and enthusing others to join him.
A former Royal Marines officer, Monty left to pursue a career in leading expeditions, circumnavigating the globe four times on various projects, leading multi-national teams in some of the most demanding environments on earth.

Piers Stockwell is a natural running expert who shares the Merrell Barefoot ethos, educating people to run the way your body was designed to.
Piers started the natural running school to teach people to run more efficiently and to get away from the trend of heavily padded running shoes to reduce injuries from poor running styles.

Dr Andrew Murray
Pushing himself to the limits, staying active and sharing his passion with others, Dr Andrew Murray symbolises everything a Merrell pack leader should.
Andrew has won endurance races in some of the most spectacular and hostile locations imaginable, including the North Pole, the Jungle and the Himalayas, as well as completing a 2,659 mile run from north Scotland to the Sahara Desert. Last year he completed an incredible world record, running 7 ultra-marathons in 7 continents on 7 consecutive days. In his most ambitious challenge yet Andrew will head to East Africa, running more than an ultra-marathon each day and over 1000 kilometres in total at altitude.