Perfect Form Running Clinic Sold Out

The Perfect Form Running clinic scheduled for April 4th, 2009 is now SOLD OUT. Because of popular demand, I will hold another in late spring or early summer. Feel free to email me at running(a.t)fvpt.com or contact me through Farmington Valley Physical Therapy to be placed on the waiting list for the next clinic.

Running Forward

WHENEVER YOUR FEET AND LEGS ARE OFF THE GROUND, MAKE SURE THEY ARE MOVING FORWARD!

Most people allow the momentum of the ground to swing their feet/legs backwards behind them. How can you move forward, when your feet/legs are swinging behind you? This will drag the rest of your body back and slow you down, making you tired.

So, instead, the minute your foot is picked up off the ground drive it forward: DO NOT ALLOW IT TO DANGLE BEHIND YOU!! You may not go any fasters, but you will notice that your cadence will increase, your stride will shorten, and you will be able to go, go, go…longer, like the energizer bunny!

Running on Egg Shells or Hot Coals

Huh? What does this mean? You have probably heard many coaches say that elite runners run as if they are running on hot coals or on top of egg shells (that you don't want to break). What does this really mean besides the obvious of picking your feet up really fast. It also means that you want to minimize the force you push with your feet into the ground.

If you have the correct form, you should no longer be supplying a force with your feet on the ground. If you do, you are wasting energy. You should be picking your feet up and actively moving them forward, then passively letting them fall to the ground (when they are below or slightly in front of you) and once on the ground, you should minimize the time that they are on the ground and not allow them to move too far behind you. In other words, all of the active motion (with your muscles) occurs when your feet are off the ground. With this, you will only have the weight of your body on your feet, and if you are light enough, you will not crack those eggs. (Elite runners run this way, but additionally they can pick their feet up much, much, much faster than you).

Running Group at Farmington Canal Bike Path

I am starting a group run for all levels Tuesday evenings at 6:00 pm. Runners meet at the intersection of the Farmington Valley Canal Bike path at Route 177 (South Main St, Unionville) in the FVPT parking lot. Our first meeting will be April 14th. I look forward to seeing you there.