Doesn't seem like there is much talk about steeplechase. Anybody have any links to technique help?
Does a steeplechaser tend to lead with the same foot on all of the hurdles?
Doesn't seem like there is much talk about steeplechase. Anybody have any links to technique help?
Does a steeplechaser tend to lead with the same foot on all of the hurdles?
Paging malmo...
I don't have any links for you, but I am a steepler. I can't speak for every steepler, but I lead with whichever leg I happen to be on when I get to a barrier and I assume that's how most steeplers do it. It'd be virtually impossible to count out and perfect your steps in between barriers the way the 100/110 and 400 hurdlers do over the course of a 3k.
I've heard of a steepler who hit the first water jump and jumped off of the wrong foot. This got the wrong foot wet, and he pretty much lost all concentration and had a horrible race. So it seems that some runners prefer to lead with a certain leg, especially at the water jump.
I've only run one steeplechase (poorly), so I will say no more.
I don't have any links but can answer questions. It was my favorite event in high school. To answer your first question, you do not have to use the same lead off leg. Work on your pacing and see what comes natural. I had my steps/stride measured and used the same lead leg but it was comfortable for me. If you have any questions, feel free to let me know.
I went to USTFCCCA Convention and Rob Gary, who coaches at Ohio State had a great presentation. It was geared a little more towards high-level athletes, but good information. They linked all of that years powerpoints and notes to the USTFCCCA website.
Gary also coaches #1 American this year in Hueling.
However, best coach in country right now is OTC Rowlands for his work with Bruce; he just needs another year to weed out the pretenders!
Dave's pretty knowledgeable.
Worry more about your training most and less about your technique. The better runner you become, the better steepler you will be.Concentrate on improving your "flat" PR's and the rest will follow.
Here is some basic steeple advice:
-Consider stepping on the barrier vice hurdling it if you are running slower than 75 sec per lap
-If you are hurdling the barriers, learn to use both legs as lead legs and be able to do the water jump with both legs. If you stutter step on the barriers to get to the leg you are more comfortable using you will lose time
--Use the long jump pit as a practice area. Set up a barrier at the edge of the pit then practice your water jump by running down the runway and jumping off the barrier into the sand.
-Land in the water with one foot in the water and the other stepping out onto the track
-If you are really hauling, consider hurdling the water jump as well vice stepping on it
-Get over the barriers as efficient as possible. That may mean that your form is not as pretty as a 110m high hurdler...that's okay just be comfortable and don't waste energy.
-Work on flexibility a bit more than the average distance running as it will help your form and efficiency over the barriers
Oh yeah, be sure to race one event below (1500m) and one event above (5000m) ever now and then. Like the other poster said, your flat PRs will directly translate to better steeple race and you shouldn't race the steeple every week.
SteeplerOldSteepler wrote:
The better runner you become, the better steepler you will be.
I'm sure this seems like a no-brainer, but it bears repetition. Your hurdle clearances/technique will tend to improve if you're a faster runner on the flat.
Face it, "technique" affects maybe 50-100 steps in your race; plain running ability affects more than a thousand.
Not sure Rowlands could organize his thoughts to share a program?
Bingo!
Check out the technique of the best steeplers in the world
wow guys thanks for all the info. I didn't know this board could actually produce a thread without someone being a jerk. I really appreciate it. I will keep the "flat pr" advice in mind. Much appreciated.