what are some good strengthening exercises for barefoot running?

I’m really getting into barefoot running and am planning to train over the summer for a spring cross country season. I have been running under a mile 5 days a week really slowly and am feeling improvements already. I want to know what some good exercises are for strengthening muscles that will increase my running skill.

How do I prepare for the red cross lifeguard training course?

I am 16 years old and trying out for lifeguarding. I am a weight lifter and a decent swimmer but I really need some endurance and cardio improvements. How do I prepare for the training course? What workouts can you do to improve these areas? Also I have some breathing troubles in such a way as an abnormal breathing rhythm that hampers me. Is there anything I can do to improve this?