|||
Taking more steps is great. It really is. I know you’ll have taken to that like it’s the meaning of life. We’re not done though, no way!
Before we get going today, a little clarification - No, you’re not “doing everything wrong”. Your current running form is fine. It really suits you actually, especially in that colour.
I just think it’s fun to think about how we do things (even the most simple and natural things) and ask “Why I do it that way? Is there a better way?”. I do it with everything. Packing my work bag, getting ready for bed, reading, whatever. Maybe you change it, maybe you don’t, but you weren’t necessarily doing it wrong to begin with. It’s gotta be hard to get into bed wrong.
Same thing with running. Unless the way you run is leading to pain or injury, you’re doing it right. The biggest people make with running is….they don’t run.
What kind of steps are you taking when you run? Yes, there are steps and there are steps.
I reckon there are two main kinds of steps you might use when running - PUSH steps and PULL steps.
PUSH Steps - These are probably your normal steps. “Push” steps are derived from the most common running we do as kids; short distances, as fast as we can. You drive off the ground (push!) with your grounded foot, quads and calves muscling you along, strong arms pumping through the air like an Olympic sprinter. Olympic sprinters definitely use Push steps.
Try to take note of this when you run. Especially as you tire and try to maintain pace. You’ll probably feel what I mean, the sensation of “pushing”
As you’ve probably guessed by now, these are not the kind of steps ideal for running long distances or for a long time!
PULL Steps - So to Pull steps then! If you’ve tried the above and you can feel the push, what does a “pull” step feel like? Well sort of the opposite!
Rather than focus on pushing the ground, simply focus on pulling your foot off the ground. Light steps where your foot just kisses the ground.
Touch PULL! Touch PULL! Touch PULL!
You’ll now be engaging (activating) your hamstrings and glutes more. Why wouldn’t you - they’re the biggest muscles in your body! You’ll find “more steps” easier this way too as you can simply think about leaving your foot on the ground for as little time as possible. The rest will all just happen. It’s both subtle and stark in its effect.
If you’re interested in what is looks like then I give you Ethiopia’s Tirunesh Dibaba. I think the best running action I’ve ever seen (Google her family for even more inspiration). It’s truly joyful and beautiful to watch her move.