Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Can we learn from the Roadrunner?

PT-cum-running form coach says I need my feet to contact the ground directly under my center of gravity.  That will produce:


  1. A forward lean from the ankles, unless I want to fall over backward when accelerating;
  2. A bent-leg foot strike, reducing jarring on the joints;
  3. A long follow-through on the back end, with the entire stride length being behind me instead of split evenly in front and behind;
  4. A faster turn-over as (a) I don't waste time reaching out in front and (b) I am forced to get my feet down so as not to fall over.


The sensation I am occasionally achieving is one of running more or less erect, speeding up as I lean forward, and slowing down as I lean further back.  The image in my head most recently is a speedometer needle that remains straight but leans as you press on the gas.

Jogging pace.  When I really get moving I hit 65.
Who seems to get it about right?  This guy.
I'd say he is going about 85.

4 comments:

  1. Right-o. Don't get up high on your toes, or risk my current issues. Current problem is that smooth feeling arrives at a speed i currently can't maintain . . .

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    1. It does, doesn't it! I'm running tempo intervals when I'm just trying to go out for a jog!

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  2. This is precisely what the Chi running movement preaches: running as "falling forward" with the lean acting as an accelerator pedal. Well done for achieving glimpses of this, I'm still trying!

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  3. Works great until it angers your right calf!! Ouchie ouch!

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