What determines form?

Training Advice/Discussion General

15 years ago 06/24/2008 2:14pm EDT

The "Who has the best form?" threads are always interesting. How about we tackle what it is that makes people have the form that they do.

Is it more due to tendon and ligament alignment/structure, or muscle strength and weakness? Sure, you could say it's all of the above, I suppose.

Has anyone's form ever really changed that much from when they first started running? Yes, people do naturally mature physically as they get older, and the more one runs the more economical one's stride naturally becomes. However, how much can one really intentionally alter his biomechanics?

If we know what determines form, then we should be able to optimize it. No?

Thoughts?

15 years ago 06/25/2008 4:28pm EDT

re: Form I-9

I used to bop along up and down and have a prounounced outward swing of my lower legs. Not so much anymore.

"Form" can be improved by a couple things:

1. Running. The more you run the better "form" you have. The more you run at a set pace the better "form" you have at that pace. I can tell you right now my "form" is much better at 5:40 mile pace than at 4;:40 mile pace.

2. Learn how to run. Most runners don't know how to run. Talk to a sprinter. Learn how to run.

3. Sprints. Similar to #2. Sprinting, bounding, hills, all increase "functional strength" and "neuromuscular effeciency". Ie: teaches you how to run properly.

Alan

15 years ago 06/25/2008 5:31pm EDT

re: Form I-9

Wrong question.

It is not "what" determines form? It is "who" determines form? And the answer is You!

If you getting injured, you can improve form.

If the running store selling you shoes is showing you unusual wear patterns on your sole, you can improve form.

If you have an older sibling or a parent who is an experienced runner they can help you improve form.

Get a Coach, or a running club or a runner friend with a video camera to record you from all angles doing a few laps on the track and then be prepared to change. There is so much video material out there demonstrating good form and not so good form as well as numerous books on running showing photos of how to land, push off, move your arms and maintain your form.

People are changing their form every day. Sometimes the revelation comes to them, sometimes it is brought to their attention through a Coach with a good eye, but you must have a good attitude and be willing to change.

If you are not going to be racing in Beijing starting 08-08-08 than accept the fact that there is room for improvement.

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