Written July 2, 2024
Hello Dear Readers,
This morning, I awoke to a familiar yet nearly forgotten sensation: a dull soreness permeating through the muscles of my legs. It was an immediate reminder of yesterday’s run, where I embarked on an experiment to tweak my running technique—a decision prompted by a period of stagnation in my physical progress and an interest in refining my approach to running.
For quite some time, my focus on running had been primarily on how many miles I could cover, with less consideration given to how I achieved those miles. I was more desperate to get my legs back then. I know I can run, and yesterday marked a pivotal shift in my mindset and approach. I made a conscious effort to modify my running form, aiming for a method that could enhance my effectiveness and speed on the track.
The specific change I implemented involved a more deliberate motion of pushing my hips forward before my knees, allowing my foot to land behind me when extending my knee. This technique aims to optimize stride efficiency and, ultimately, increase my overall speed. While slightly awkward at first, I hope it promises to become more fluid with practice.
My wife, who has been a source of advice due to her own experiences with running, once told me that proper running form is crucial for improving speed and avoiding injuries. She learned the importance of good form the hard way, having to undergo extensive retraining after years of running with poor techniques during her youth. Her struggles and subsequent improvements have constantly reminded me that investing in proper form is worthwhile.
Reflecting on my previous runs, I realized that while I had successfully increased my endurance and mileage, I had perhaps overlooked how efficiently I ran. This oversight could explain why improvements in speed and ease had plateaued. With this in mind, I set out to make a change, driven by the idea that enhancing my form could lead to a more effective and fulfilling running practice.
The soreness I feel today differs from the usual fatigue after a long run; it feels like a clear sign of the other muscles engaging due to the new running form. It’s an encouraging indicator that my efforts to change my technique are bearing fruit, working new muscle groups that had previously been underutilized in my running.
Looking ahead, it will take a few more runs to fully integrate this new form into my natural stride. The initial awkwardness of the motion is a small price to pay for the benefits I expect to gain. I am mentally preparing myself for this adjustment period, reminding myself of the long-term gains over the temporary discomfort.
This development in my running journey excites me. It represents not just a change in how I run but a deeper understanding of the mechanics of running and how they influence overall performance. I am eager to see how these changes will impact my speed, endurance, and, perhaps most importantly, my enjoyment of running. Each step forward with this new form is a step toward a more efficient, faster, and healthier running future.