Comments on: Should You Emulate the Running Form of Elites: Book Excerpt from Tread Lightly

By: Sam

Sam — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to Sam.

The premise that humans evolved as a race of persistence hunters and walkers is also supportive of this theory. We weren't designed to run 13 miles an hour for two hours, and we're pushing our bodies to the utter limit to accomplish that feat. There may be nothing wrong with allowing technology (cushion and a little heel lift) to aid us in this endeavor. We very well may have been designed to run eight minute miles for five hours bare foot, with sandals or moccasins being utilized at some point along the way.

By: Pete Larson

Pete Larson — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to Sam.

The bigger issue I think is that speed increases forces, and those need to be dealt with. The lean might be art of it, but a lot of elites I ave filmed run stark upright.
Sent from my iPad

By: Pete Larson

Pete Larson — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to Runnningcoach262.

I agree, there are no magic bullets when it comes to injuries. With elites you do have to keep in mind their training volume and the speed they are running at, which certainly adds to the stress on their bodies, but I think each person needs to find the best form for their own body and circumstances and not emulate what someone else is doing.

Pete

—-
Pete Larson’s Web Links:
My book: Tread Lightly – Form Footwear and the Quest For Injury Free Runninghttp://www.amazon.com=“”> Work: http://www.anselm.edu/internet…
Blog: https://runblogger.com
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By: Paul Joyce

Paul Joyce — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Pete, I agree. As someone who runs for the enjoyment of it the running form of elites has little relevance for me. For 'perfect' running form I look no further than my five year old who runs beautifully. I would love to be able to run like he does and I hope he can maintain that form into adulthood. Cheers, Paul

By: Pete Larson

Pete Larson — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to David Cooper.

Awesome!
Pete

By: Jammywrighty

Jammywrighty — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Is your book going to be available in the UK?

By: yang xiaohan

yang xiaohan — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

There are many factors that make elites capable of throwing down times
that the rest of us could only dream of – these include inherent aspects
of their anatomy and physiology, training background, motivation,
mental toughness, VO2 max, capacity to endure pain, and so
on. Form is just one part of the picture when it comes to elite running
success, and it may be a very small part.

By: Steven Sashen

Steven Sashen — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Whenever someone uses Olympians and World Champions for comparison (e.g. "Olypmic runners wear shoes!"), I respond: You can compare yourself to them as soon as you're a 5'4" 150 pound guy running almost 13 miles an hour for 2 hours. Until then, WHO CARES what he's doing?!

By: Skerminkel

Skerminkel — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

This piece confirms my own experience. As both an above and below average distance runner (84min half marathon PB to 4:45 marathon on occasion), I have experienced major differences in running style. If you run 4:20 min/km (roughly 3h marathon), you definitely run more on the front of your feet than when you are plodding along at 7 min/km. For a jogger running on the front of your feet are simply biomechanically incorrect.
As a South African, your comments on odd running form of elite runners made me think of two excellent examples:
Vladimir Kotov, with his toe-up shuffle and almost no knee bending (it seems), is famous for his extremely long competitive career. He came fourth in the 1980 Olympic marathon and still won the 90km Comrades marathon three times (one record) in the early 2000s. In 2010 he still made 13th place at age 52! (See Wikipedia).
Matthews “Loop-en-Val” Motshwarateu’s nick name literally means “Run-and-Fall”. He was a South African champion and record holder in long distance track and cross country and was dominant in the same events in the US on a scholarship at UTEP. His success included the 10km world record in New York in 1980. Read a moving piece about his glory years and sad passing here: http://www.southafrica.info/es…

By: RunningPT12

RunningPT12 — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Your book showed up from Amazon yesterday - as always, well done, Pete!

By: David Cooper

David Cooper — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v…
A form worth emulating (see 1:30 and after). And in heels (without necessarily heel striking)!

By: RunningPT12

RunningPT12 — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to Pete Larson.

Will do- I always keep up with your blog posts but haven't had much time to write lately. Busy with work (joined a new practice so more injured runners to work with), along with training and such. Wear-testing for NB continues - very interesting shoes on the horizon!