Let's Dissect this Awesome Running Form Video
Monday, September 13, 2010 at 8:22PM A reader forwarded this video to me last week. I have to say, it is one of the best critiques on form I've ever seen. Check out out and let's talk about what's inside.
Nearly everything they cover in this video has proven true to me in my experience. I was a heel striker, ran barefoot for a while, and now I'm a converted forefoot runner. Running barefoot also took a ton of bounce out of my stride, which makes running long distances much easier on the knees.
What was new to me, but very intuitive was the following:
- Twisting the upper torso makes your feet cross over, causing overpronation and other weird torque issues.
- Shin splints come from lifting your toes to heel strike. Well, talk about a revelation we all needed to hear.
I've run a few times after seeing the video and tried to put the proper leg angles into effect. It definitely pulled in places that need some loosening. I'm looking forward to continuing to improving my form and get faster.
Tell your friends about the video and ask what they think!
Reader Comments (5)
What a great video! The relationship between stride angle and overstride angle makes so much sense, but I had never thought of it before. Time to start working on my hip flexor and hamstring flexibility!!! Thanks for the great post!
Way curious about the microfiber reduction thing.
Awesome Video! Thanks!
Brett - very very interesting stuff.
Unfortunately there is not a lot of discussion on HOW to change those elements in one's running and it is an implicit pitch for their microfiber reduction massage. Apparently (from the Somax site) this runs 350 an hour? That must be quite the massage!
I've watched this video twice since I saw it posted here and I even took it to my yoga class to show it to my students. You are right, it is one of the best analysis' of running form I've ever seen. And it points out a key distinction about how speed is generated and economy is maintained when it comes to running. Range of motion is where it is at. And anything that provides an increase in an athlete's body is going to result in being stronger, lasting longer and going faster. That is what I preach to my students. We aren't trying to "lengthen or stretch anything". We are attempting to restore as much of their original range of motion as possible.