Our discussion was wide ranging, and covered topics such as our personal experiences with changing running form, how to identify and correct over-striding, the importance of the hips, the relationship between footwear and form, barefoot and minimalist running, and who should and shouldn't consider form change. Please give it a listen!
From RRT you can view the show notes, listen on-line, download the .mp3 file or from iTunes directly. I learned a lot and would love to hear what you think!
On a related note, shown below is an excellent video explaining proper running technique, and discussing the importance of transitioning to minimalist shoes such as the Newtons:
Meanwhile, I'd like to encourage all enthusiastic runners to follow the Runners Round Table, and to sign-up for the RRT Google Group. Doing so will automatically copy you on discussions with other runners, and allow you to volunteer for and submit ideas regarding future RRT episodes - which you're welcome to join or lead. The RRT podcast is entirely free as the teleconferencing site is hosted by Talkshoe.com, and relies upon the creativity, energy and eagerness of participants to broaden running's base and to share our knowledge with others.
Mark, I'm gonna listen to this during my run tomorrow. I'm sure my recent posts provided much fodder for over striding and poor running form.
ReplyDeleteThat was one of the best RRT episodes ever. Super informative. The panel was awesome and Joe always does a good job moderating. You, Sir, were especially good. What was that crazy word you used when talking about how just thinkig about landing under the center of gravity is helpful. Even though it's practically impossible. Great point.
ReplyDeleteChris - Glad you liked the podcast - it was fun, and hope you join one at some point. The term I'd used was "proprioceptive cue". See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proprioception, which refers to our brain's process for conceptualizing where our physical body is at in space. While an amazing process it isn't perfect - which explains why so many runners are convinced that they don't heel strike - until a high speed digital camera proves them wrong. So, a "cue" is something like your coach tells you - "run as though you're running on hot coals", "pop pop pop" or "run with your foot landing directly under your center of gravity". In each case these instructions can't be taken literally correct, but are nevertheless helpful since, for example, by *thinking* of landing our foot under our center of gravity while we may not accomplish that precisely we'll nevertheless avoid the over-striding problem. The challenge is to repeat proper form even when fatigued to internalize via "muscle memory" (AKA neuromuscular patterning). VERY tough - but I believe it can be done.
ReplyDeleteThis was a great episode of the RRT. I have had some of the same issues with over-striding and heal striking. I have also suffered from stress fractures as a result. I plan on improving my training with the information presented on this podcast. Thanks guys!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to listen to the podcast. This was very timely for me as I have been really trying to improve my form. It's been a conscious effort on every single run. I've also tried some barefooting on the treadmill to memorize how it should be. I've also been debating which shoes to purchase and the Newtons seem to be the one. Just wish they weren't so expensive. Such good info! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteGood luck, Jen! Much as I like the Newtons they're not for everyone, so be sure to give them a good run, along with other minimalist shoes, before you make the commitment.
ReplyDeleteI listened to the podcast and loved it. It was very informative and I found myself nodding in agreement over so much of the stuff. I think I've come to the conclusion that if I can have the correct form, I shouldn't have to go completely barefoot to reap the rewards from it. I bought the Newtons and like them. It's really weird how it forces you to run correctly. I took them for just a mile or so the first time and decided that I could just run in them again. So I went for a 4 1/2 miler. Too far. My calves were screaming for the rest of the week. Lesson learned. Slower transitioning. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteJen - Glad you like the Newtons too. You're wise to go through a gradual transition in them, since as with any shoe with a minimal heel-to-toe drop they'll work your calf and Achilles harder than you were otherwise accustomed to.
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