Want to improve your running?

December 13, 2024

Move + Run Better

Improving running biomechanics is important even if you are not injured. It reduces the likelihood of getting injured in the future, leading to more consistent training and potentially faster times.

Running Biomechanics

Improving ones biomechanics allows the body to take advantage of the stretch shortening cycle, or the natural spring effect in the tendons and muscle. Landing correctly with a faster ground contact generates a free energy return and literally helps you spring off the ground. This reduces the oxygen cost of running at a certain intensity and makes it more sustainable. It also requires a slight reduction in muscular effort to propel you forward. The result is your all-important energy stores last longer meaning you are likely to be in better shape in the final miles to push for that PB. For anyone who has run a marathon you will be familiar with the challenge of the final 6 miles. Better running biomechanics means reduced ground reaction forces and therefore reduced muscular breakdown. It therefore increases the likelihood of you being able to maintain pace in the later miles of your races.

Running Biomechanics To Avoid Injury

Many recreational runners experience some form of discomfort. Foot, Achilles, calf, knee, hip and lower back pain are common ailments that plague runners of all levels. But it does not have to be this way. A running biomechanics package can identify the problem and help you run better. Ever present niggles can realistically be a thing of the past with high quality movement retraining. Running is a skill requiring coaching and practice to optimise your performance.

Most reported injuries are gradual build up and repeat use in nature. León-Guereño et al (2020) found:

81% of the 1400 runners surveyed reported some form of running related injury.
Close to 50% had experienced more than one injury.
Unsurprisingly 71% of injuries were to the lower body.
47% of all injuries reported were located around the knee.
24% of all injuries reported were to the foot and ankle.

Lun et al (2004) found that 79% of recreational runners who run three times a week for 6 months will experience some form of running related injury.

Our 6 x 60 minute session package will include:

Analyse your current biomechanics and establish problem areas with state of the art video analysis software.
Complete a Functional Movement Screen to establish your current movement patterns and provide statistics for you to measure improvements against.
Improve your running technique using a combination of:
- Retraining running technique.
- Drills and cues.
- Strength and muscle activation work.
- Mobility.
- Dynamic Movement Skills.
You will be given weekly homework to practice and keep things progressing.

In the final session we will re-analyse technique and send you away with much improved technique allowing you to run further and faster and tackle the next big challenge. Crucially you will also have the knowledge to help you maintain the improvements you have made.