Why Mechanics?

Several years ago, I wrote two pieces for a previous clinic on the topic of Running Stride Mechanics.  They were borne from the frustration that far too much emphasis -- at every level of running -- is placed on workouts and training -- and next-to-nothing is said or done about running mechanics.

The first piece identified The Problem: a significant lack of awareness of gait mechanics.  The second piece identified The Solution and offered some basic strategies toward addressing mechanics.

In summary:
 #1 - No One Teaches Us How to Run.  We just "do it" and assume we're doing it correctly and "non-pathologically" -- doing it without HURTING OURSELVES.  This is UNTRUE.  I see "pathological strides" every day.  They're all around us.

#2 - Fast Kids Become Sprinters, Slow Kids Are Distance Runners.  THIS ARTICLE, among many, has identified that good sprint mechanics are good distance mechanics, too! 

#3 - The Complete Disregard for the Dynamic Nature of Running Strides.  A terrific stride today may be a terrible one tomorrow (or next year).  Athletic skills are dynamic and changing -- just ask any golfer that "picks up a slice" or a baseball player in a hitting slump.  Strides change -- based on workouts, training load, age, job/daily activity change.  Any change in stride can affect performance and health.


#4 - The Over-Emphasis on Physiological Distance Training versus Biomechanics.  With poor mechanics, it doesn't matter one bit what training you do -- you're doomed to run slow and experience pain. 

Optimizing Mechanics -- Where The Rubber Hits The Road

What an athlete will get from me -- first and foremost, and more important than anything else -- is not only an analysis of gait, but fast, effective and sustainable changes to mechanics.  Using motor control theory and techniques, I can teach a person to FEEL that new stride -- and techniques to ensure those changes are consistent and sustainable.

Moreover, we examine not only KINEMATICS -- or how your stride looks and moves -- but more importantly: KINETICS -- or the energies, muscle actions, and feel of your body as you adjust your stride.  This is the KEY to:

- Efficiency
- Consistency
- Sustainability

Mechanical Excellence -- "The Easy Way"
The easiest way to get faster is to run with Mechanical Excellence: to have as perfect form as possible.  Mechanical Excellence means

- Maximum Speed
- Minimal Energy Required
- Minimal Tissue Stress

The more mechanically sound you can run, the faster you go with less energy.  Most importantly: with the LEAST amount of wasteful, painful and damaging tissue stress.  The more energy you can use to propel forward -- instead of smashing into the ground and back into your joints -- results in:

- Decreased Tissue Irritation/Damage
- Faster Recovery
- Greater Ability to Train Faster and Longer

It's that simple.  You run "excellent" and you can do more.  And longer.  That, by definition, is the goal of distance running.
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If you're interested in hearing more, or have questions on what I can offer, go here and shoot me a message.  Happy (and healthy) running!