why do triathletes all run the same weird way?

Ever watch a power lifter walk? Same thing. Probably because of the overactive muscles developedby those activities. I know after a bike ride i was always too stiff to run relaxed.

because they are all trying to use the Pose method while wearing their newton forefoot shoes.

Hayduke wrote:

because they are all trying to use the Pose method while wearing their newton forefoot shoes.

Honestly, i think this is the answer. The other answer about biking making it impossible to run correctly is clearly wrong, because the elites have good running form.

You ever try running after a hard bike ride? Give it a shot sometime and let us all know how smooth your stride and form are (especially the first mile).

It's funny reading threads like this as it makes it clear who the insecure people are on here.

not a triathlete wrote:

not talking about elites as I've never really watched them, but whenever I am out running it's pretty easy to identify a tri-focused person as their shoulders are super stiff, their body is completely vertical, and they don't seem to use their hamstrings or butt at all in their stride ... it looks like all the mechanics are in front of them as if they are just putting their feet in front of them but not propelling themselves at all.

Are they all taught to run this way? or is it a consequence of fatigued muscles from swimming and biking?

I know exactly what you are saying and I think it's the second thing. I've done a bit of tri and it's quite an experience to start running immediately after riding hard on the bike. You feel like your body is not your own. I think if you do too much tri your running form is "ruined" forever (that might be an overstatement).

I've only done olympic distance. I can't image how crap my form would be running 26 miles off of 100+ miles on the bike. Shuffle at best.

not a triathlete wrote:

not talking about elites as I've never really watched them, but whenever I am out running it's pretty easy to identify a tri-focused person as their shoulders are super stiff, their body is completely vertical, and they don't seem to use their hamstrings or butt at all in their stride ... it looks like all the mechanics are in front of them as if they are just putting their feet in front of them but not propelling themselves at all.

Are they all taught to run this way? or is it a consequence of fatigued muscles from swimming and biking?

By the way, it's also very easy to identify the triathletes in the pool by their form (and also gear). In no way is this a criticism. Triathlon is a hard core sport. And for the record i'm not implying any kind of great swim form myself.

Sdfsdfsdfsdfsdc wrote:

Hayduke wrote:

because they are all trying to use the Pose method while wearing their newton forefoot shoes.

Honestly, i think this is the answer. The other answer about biking making it impossible to run correctly is clearly wrong, because the elites have good running form.

Not necessarily true for ironman distances. Look at macca run.

What is it about their swimming form and gear that gives it away?

I support crackheads wrote:

john utah wrote:

By the way, it's also very easy to identify the triathletes in the pool by their form (and also gear). In no way is this a criticism. Triathlon is a hard core sport. And for the record i'm not implying any kind of great swim form myself.

What is it about their swimming form and gear that gives it away?

I'm not an expert, but I would say:

1. Body position in the water (low hips, head up)

2. Either no flip turns (open turns) or bad flip turns with bad streamline on pushoff. Especailly the streamline. And when I say "bad", I'm talking relatively bad compared with swimmers who grew up doing countless yards in the pool in swim teams.

3. Stroke with arms really crossing over centerline.

4. Generally powering through the water vs. smooth "effortless" swimming.

because they are always tired.

next thread

I believe this ruined form forever. I am trying to personally fix my form and it's a real struggle. It's as "coach" mentioned in post above, over development of certain muscles. All the elites, had swim and track/cc experience previously till the bike was added in for them to master

not a triathlete wrote:

... or is it a consequence of fatigued muscles from swimming and biking?

There is your answer, at least for the average triathlete. If you take a look at the Brownlee's for example, they have good running form. How good? After completing the swim and bike at the London Olympics, Alistair finished the 10k in 29:07. The first 4 guys ran under 30:00. Most people who frequent LRC can only dream of running sub-30 10k dedicated to running alone with "beautiful" form. So much for that huh?

Hayduke wrote:

because they are all trying to use the Pose method while wearing their newton forefoot shoes.

😂 Classic

not a triathlete wrote:

not talking about elites as I've never really watched them, but whenever I am out running it's pretty easy to identify a tri-focused person as their shoulders are super stiff, their body is completely vertical, and they don't seem to use their hamstrings or butt at all in their stride ... it looks like all the mechanics are in front of them as if they are just putting their feet in front of them but not propelling themselves at all.

Are they all taught to run this way? or is it a consequence of fatigued muscles from swimming and biking?

My sports doctor loves his triathlons and he tried claiming that my style was wrong and that I should shuffle more. Under video analysis my form is fine, he is just so used to swimmers trying to run that he doesn't know what is correct.

speaking at a course tomorrow!

Triathletes are running in a state of fatigue and thus the exaggerated forward lean and the at times shuffle look.

Please remember that the top ITU triathletes can run 28:30 for 10k and low 14 for 5k.

Depending on the course and the amount of glycogen used running efficiency and economy is greatly effected.

Now as once a very good runner and having run 15:13 off the bike in sprint distance race it is no easy feet. Coaching someone for this is even more difficult!

You look adopted wrote:

because they are always tired.

next thread

You try running after training by flipping over a truck tire.

joedirt wrote:

You ever try running after a hard bike ride? Give it a shot sometime and let us all know how smooth your stride and form are (especially the first mile).

^^This, plus they tend to be heavier in the upper body due to the swim.