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| Navigational Art and Directions, © 2017. |
Finding our 'stride', as with everything else in our lives we want to improve on, takes time and experience. Over time we all
have developed our own running technique. We have a set amount of “collective leg power” to propel forward. Some of us run on their
heels, others on their toes. Some of us scurry along like a mouse on a
mission, other runners leap gazelle-like. When I run, I imagine sliding
the tip of my shoes on the ground
without actually touching it. I’m a mid-foot striker, and I land it
above my center of gravity in line with my body.
"Over-striding" meaning having too
long of a stride is a major cause of both
hamstring and knee injuries. Most of us
have a low cadence - the number of strides us take per minute. The
longer we take with each stride, the more time our foot spends on the
ground, and
the more energy our legs have to expend to support our body weight. When we run,
we want to spend the least amount of time on our legs as possible.
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| Colleen Yorke, 2017. |
In a way, running has a lot do with the laws of physics. Energy expenditure is directly proportional to how much we
go up and down. If we minimize up and down movement, we can lower our
energy expenditure. An engaged core, a forward lean from the ankle (not the hip), a shorter,
more compact stride, a faster stride rate and striking underneath our
body weight, can help us find our footing.
Energy expenditure is directly proportional to how much you go up and
down. If you can minimize up and down movement, you can lower your
energy expenditure. The more you lean forward when you run, the more it
adds a horizontal component to your energy usage. - See more at:
http://www.chirunning.com/blog/entry/the-physics-of-running#sthash.T7ImAqXu.dpuf
That being said, there is no correct running form. Some elite runners enter the finish line, exhibiting an upright torso, including previous marathon winners. We find our stride, as we find and define ourselves. What is your running technique?
Having too long of a stride, or "over-striding," is a major cause of
both hamstring and knee injuries. This is when you land with your feet
in front of you instead of under you. Not bending your knees when you
run will create stiffness and poor circulation in your legs. Your knees
should be bent at a 90ยบ angle when you are warmed up and running at a
good, medium pace. - See more at:
http://www.chirunning.com/blog/entry/10-components-of-good-running-form#sthash.Jl6Vceuk.dpuf
