Can You Learn Running Technique?

Research Running

If you’ve done even a small degree of research on how to run to avoid injuries, you’ve probably encountered a lot of literature about the ideal running technique. Well, I’m going to let a cat out of the bag: there is probably no “one” ideal running technique. In other words, what works for me might not work for you. Many doctors will tell you that as long as you aren’t feeling unnecessary amounts of stress or pain in your legs, then there’s probably very little you’ll have to modify on your running stride.

But what if you want to increase your speed? Can your technique really effect that, and will you need to teach yourself to run an entirely different way? Let’s take a deeper look into your running technique.

If you were to ever be coached for running long distances effectively, you’ll probably learn some key running principles, such as the importance of breathing. These techniques are easily learned and don’t take much action in order to become habits – perhaps just a few weeks of practice. But when it comes to your stride, your running techniques are probably not so easily fixed.

Any good coach knows that technique can be changed, but also that learning a new technique can require un-wiring some of the old habits that went into creating that technique. On an individual basis, the decision then becomes about weighing the potential gains the new technique could offer versus the investment it would require in order to adapt to that technique.

If you’ve ever tried on a new pair of running shoes and felt a lot of blistering and foot pain that first week, you know the kind of pain that sometimes goes into making a change in your running routine. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing, because your body adapts my hardening the skin in the right places on the feet, which then leads to more comfort on future runs. In many ways, learning a new way of running is like this: there will be pain when new muscles are being worked out more vigorously. For some runners, however, pain is all about growth: once running gets too comfortable, it means that the run isn’t challenging enough.

If you want to learn a new way of running, make sure you know what you’re doing it. If it’s for speed, it might be worth the risk. If it’s to avoid pain, it might also be a good decision. But don’t be afraid to be patient with your body, as well – you might find that the more you run, the more you settle into a solid stride that works well for your body. Consult a doctor if you’d like more information about running strides.

Photo Credits: Ernst Moeksis

Originally posted 2009-05-13 05:58:07.

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