RUNNING FORM ANALYSIS

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In the sport of running, the physiology of running is just half of the sport. Sure, it’s important to know the FITT Principle (Frequency, Intensity, Time, and Type) so that you can improve your aerobic and anaerobic conditioning. But do you know how to run? This is not a trick question. Understanding and learning the other half of running—the Biomechanics of Running—is equally important to becoming a successful runner.

Case in point―if a tennis player holds the racket incorrectly, they wouldn’t hit the ball very well. If a golfer holds the club with the wrong grip or places their body in the wrong position, they wouldn’t drive the ball very far. Both of these sports require a system of checks and balances from head to toe, to deliver the correct outcome.

Same is true for a runner. Although runners don’t have equipment to contend with, think of the body itself as the equipment. If you learn how to hold your body in the proper form; if you strengthen the sport-specific muscles that are required for running; and if you learn how to breathe properly― you will surely run farther and faster, with less effort and with less chance of injury.

”Running is a great way to stay fit, but it is also a sport and requires skill, technique, and a series of do’s and don’t’s, just like any other sport.”

~Coach Mindy

 

What Affects Running Form?

INTERNAL FEATURES

Can be improved, controlled, or corrected

  • Posture
  • Arm swing
  • Pace
  • Body weight
  • Breathing
  • Stability & balance
  • Stride length (actual vs effective)
  • Stride frequency
  • Mental awareness & development

INTRINSIC FEATURES

Harder to improve, control, or correct due to anatomy & genetics

  • Muscle weakness and imbalances
  • Too-tight muscles or too-loose muscles
  • Joint weakness or instability
  • Q-angle
  • Leg length
  • Arch height and shape of foot
  • Foot position
  • Gait
  • Pronation

EXTERNAL FEATURES

Personal choice and outside influences can determine outcome

  • Running surface, location, and incline
  • Running shoes and gear
  • Environmental issues (weather, traffic, impediments)
  • Time of day

Coach Mindy's Pearls of Running Wisdom

Put the FORM back into PerFORMance

Pearl #1

  • Learn proper FORM before you add speed.
  • Learn proper FORM before you add balance.
  • Learn proper FORM before you add strength.

Pearl #2

  • Run from the hip... ...not from the knee.
  • Run with your arms... ...not with your torso.

 

Pearl #3

  • A new tennis racket won't improve your game, if you continue to hold it incorrectly.
  • The same is true with running.
  • Learn how to run properly.

Running Form Analysis Includes:

  • After you register, you'll receive a questionnaire to answer questions about your running, fitness, health, and nutrition
  • Consultation before the test to discuss your running and fitness history and your goals
  • Full-body running form analysis at an outdoor track or park or on a treadmill
  • Runditioning™ exercises
  • Video analysis of running form
  • Comprehensive results and recommendations report
  • Total time for the session is about 60 minutes