Essentials of Distance Running Mechanics

Coach Bobby McGee has taken the time to record the great 5min video above, explaining many of the key points in developing a more effective and efficient running form.

Some runners who buy-in to the fashionable "we must all learn to mid/forefoot strike" party line will probably try to disagree with his comments in the video about heel striking. I however believe that Coach McGee has hit the nail on the head!

The suggestion that some heel strikers are better-off remaining as heel-strikers shows an uncommon degree of wisdom, often lacking in coaches who preach a one-size-fits-all mid/forefoot methodology.

In my experience, many runners are better off working on changing their heel striking point of contact to land closer to under the hips, with a shorter contact time, and quicker (less violent) rocker action. For those who are interested, I develop my thoughts on this point specifically in my article entitled Forefoot Running for Ironman Athletes.

The points about posture (lean) and power are well made. Particularly the comments suggesting that many runners drive off and upwards excessively through mid and late stance phase. I've found that focusing the effort away from the "push-off" helps many runners overcome long-standing Calf / Achilles / Plantar Fascia injuries.

All in all, worth while video to watch and good points to digest for us runners!