Long Distance Running Technique – part 3

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In previous posts on Long Distance Running Technique, part 1 and part 2, I’ve covered following key points:

-ARM POSITION
-THE ROLE OF THE HIP
-HEAD AND SHOULDER POSITION

Here’s the last part of the “7 Habits of Highly Effective Runners”: from the book “Runner’s Worlds – The Runner’s body”.

STRIDE CHARACTERISTICS AND KNEE POSITION

– Run with light feet (imagine that you are running on eggshells or thin ice)

– Avoid exaggerating high knees and forward knee drive since this will increase stride length, resulting in your feet landing far infront of your center of mass.
(Extract from part 2, THE ROLE OF THE HIP:
Your hips determines where your center of mass is. That fact is crucial to be aware of when it comes to maximize performance. Think of this: If your foot lands well infront of your hip every time it strikes the ground, your body will decelerate, you’ll lose momentum and need to use your muscles to pull your body forward and thorough the motion for next stride)

THE FOOTSTRIKE

A heavily discussed topic in the running community is the footstrike. Most new-school running techniques promotes mid- or forefoot striking as the optimal landing style but even the authors of the book couldn’t agree if the footstrike is something that should be taught and corrected, or just left natural. Therefore no advice is given in the book more than the general, take home point that has been consistent through out the book:

– Stay RELAXED when running – avoid any unnecessary tension.

So without revealing any chocking statements or controversial, bias “truths”, this post series has summarized the “7 Habits of Highly Effective Runners”, by Jonathan Dugas and Ross Tucker. Please view them as a guide only to shine some light and perhaps open your eyes a bit more to the science and technique behind running. Like all other advice given in text there’s a risk involved that the reader takes some words into action but misses one or two key points or becomes preoccupied on one specific task. CONTACT US if you’re interested in more advice and training to either increase performance or refine your running technique – we’d be more than happy to help you out!

Until next time,

MERRY XMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR!

/Henrik & the Fitcorp Asia-team