How Much Do You Really Need to Improve Running Form?

In this new episode of the video blog (check out all the videos here), I discuss a topic that we address early on in our coaching workshops: the concept of ‘Minimum Effective Change’.

While I spend a LOT of time talking about running form, it’s important to appreciate how much (or little) runners need to actually change their habitual technique to feel tangible benefits.

In my experience, many runners who set about making more drastic changes to form fail to ‘make them stick’ in the longer term. Conversely, more subtle targeted changes prove consistently to be more achievable and sustainable.

As usual, all food for thought. I’d love to hear your take on this in the comments below…

Last updated on March 2nd, 2021.

4 Comments

  1. As always, common sense, James, as a “masters” athlete, I definitely find that training, and making any changes are better done progressively in small increments rather than wholesale change or steps. Helps keep me injury free.

  2. Excellent advice. It’s really refreshing to listen to someone who gives good sensible advice regarding running technique with no interest in personal gains talking about a specific running method which is in their opinion the best.

  3. Working as a coach in a health club I’m generally only ever able to focus on the bigger issues. I’m less concerned with foot strike or subtle differences in hip alignment, biggest issues I face are runners with lack of strength, poor drive off and poor core/body control.
    Culminates in runners who reach their cadence ceiling, waste too much energy oscillating side to side and can never step up from jogging into truly running.
    It’s the most common hurdle I see and tough to correct!

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