Is there
really one right way to run? Is it better to be a forefoot or midfoot striker
runner? Is it bad if I use my heels when
I land on the ground? There are common questions that runners ask us when they
realize each elite athlete runs in a different way. Then, what is the best way
to run?
Difficult
question that Brooks has tried to answer in an interesting study just focused
on that topic. Iain Hunter, a biomechanist at Brigham Young University,
analysed different footprints to conclude that each runner strikes the ground
in a unique way. Some land on their forefoot, others with their midfoot and
more than half of these elite runners landed with heel strike. "Like a signature
or fingerprint, each runner leaves his or her own personal mark of
individuality on the track". But not only there are differences on the
ground, each ankle, knee and hip joint react depending on the runner.
That is
the reason why Brooks thinks that now the Running Gait assessment has to be
faced from the another perspective. The idea is to go beyond Supination,
Neutral or Over Pronation parameters. They call this concept of identifying the
unique and highly individual characteristics of each runner “RunSignature".
Each runner strikes the ground in a unique way. (Brooks Glycerin 15). |
Brooks
remembers that the geometry of our bones, the strength of our soft tissues, and
our adaptation skills are all different among us, consequently everyone has a
unique and individualistic way to run. Basically, the structure or geometry of our body affects how we move
(our bodies are a complex mechanical system: the foot alone has 26 bones, 33
joints, and hundreds of muscle tendons and ligaments).
At this
point, Brooks suggests do not be obsessed with changing your running form and embrace who you are and enjoy your run: be
confident in the knowledge that you are all running in your preferred, natural
manners. “Runners who achieve this goal should see increased performance or
efficiency, a reduced risk of injury, provide a healthy load to the body, and
be able to stay fit and active”.
The Run
Signature is more focused on matching the runner to the shoe, to matching the
shoe to the runner. “It is not about correcting runners, but embracing who they
are”. The American Running Company compares your singular Running Gait to golf
swing. Basically, there is not a perfect swing in the world, the best way is
adjust your natural characteristics to you.
Would you
like to find out your unique running swing? We could help you. Matt Clark from
Brooks will be doing free running gait analysis the 19th of July at
Reigate store. There are still places available! Make an appointment calling
01737222781 or via email (simplysportsltd@gmail.com).
The
information of this post is based on the Run Signature ebook.