Running is more popular than ever! With gyms closed and social distancing restrictions in place during COVID-19, running has become many people’s go-to exercise. But how do you know if you are running correctly? With so much variation in running techniques how do you know if you’re doing it right? Could you go faster if your technique improved? Is your current form increasing your risk of injury? A running coach can give you the answers to these questions.
What Is Correct Running Technique?
Almost all of us are taught how to swim correctly when we are children, at least to a basic standard. A lot of time is spent learning the correct technique so that we can be efficient in the water. However, how many people have actually been taught to run correctly? Almost none!
Most people just assume that running is something that comes naturally. When we look at people run we’ll notice everyone moves a bit differently. Some people look like they’re fighting against themselves, whereas others glide along and make running look effortless. For a lucky few running comes naturally, but for many it doesn’t and these people often spend hours training for an event only to end up injured or performing well below their expectations because of poor technique.
Can I Learn To Run Correctly?
Running correctly is a skill that can be learned, with guidelines for good technique just like swimming. What we mean by “guidelines” is that while “good” runners all have some differences in technique, they also share many common elements. Just like if you compare the swim techniques of Ian Thorpe to Michael Phelps you will find they’re not identical, but they DO share many fundamental elements of correct technique. Getting the fundamental elements of good running technique in place will help you run faster for longer with less chance of injury.
Your running technique will be influenced by many things. We’re all built a little differently with various strengths and weaknesses, tight spots and natural movement patterns. Your injury history and participation in other sports and lifestyle activities will all influence the way your body naturally moves. And this natural tendency to move in a certain way will influence your running form, which is fine. But ensuring that you have the essential elements of correct running form in place will help you enjoy your running, perform at your best and minimise your risk of injury.
RunRight Running Coaching
The RunRight running coaching program was created to give people of all running abilities the opportunity to learn how to run correctly. It is a 6-session package over 10 weeks that focuses on coaching you to develop a more efficient running style.
Running Form Assessment
The initial session consists of a biomechanical analysis of your running technique using the latest video software. This provides a detailed assessment of your running form to see where asymmetries or weaknesses exist. We really take the time to help you understand your running technique and how it can be improved by discussing the video and main findings with you. This education is a vital part of your program, and it really helps you take control of your progress by working on your technique between your sessions.
The initial session consists of a biomechanical analysis of your running technique using the latest video software. This provides a detailed assessment of your running form to see where asymmetries or weaknesses exist. We really take the time to help you understand your running technique and how it can be improved by discussing the video and main findings with you. This education is a vital part of your program, and it really helps you take control of your progress by working on your technique between your sessions.
Following the biomechanical analysis you will be taken through a movement screen to assess which exercises are needed to help you run correctly. Some people have tightness issues that need correcting while others have weaknesses that need strengthening, and many people need a combination of both. The movement screen allows us to accurately identify these issues and relate them back to your running technique.
How Do The RunRight Running Coaching Sessions Work?
The 6 session coaching package is an individualised program which addresses your priority areas identified in the biomechanical analysis and movement screen. You will be coached on how to improve each of these focus areas through a challenging series of drills and corrective exercises. In every session you will spend time running on the treadmill focusing on particular cue points as well time off the treadmill working on mobility, strength and technical exercises.
The sessions are fast paced, fun and interactive. You receive constant feedback from your coach and you’ll finish each session feeling like you’ve had a hard workout. Plus you’ll be coached through personalised drills and exercises to take home and work on before your next session.
Running Coaching For Every Ability
Runright running coaching is ideal for anyone wanting to improve their running form, especially if running is something you want to do more of during COVID-19 restrictions. Whether you’re running just to keep up your general fitness, or plan on training for some running events 5km and up once we get through COVID-19, working on improving your run technique now is a great idea.
Every coaching session is tailored to perfectly match your ability & fitness, so the program will help you no matter what your current level of running ability and fitness. We regularly work with clients who are new to running right through to serious competitors.
Learn From An Elite Run Coach
Ben Liddy is our Head of Running Performance. He is the coach of Central Performance Track, our elite run squad with nationally-ranked 400m and 800m runners. He is one of the few accredited Level 4 middle and long distance run coaches in Australia, and has travelled internationally as both a physio and coach for the Australian junior athletics team. He was also a nationally ranked runner himself and still places highly in major fun-runs like the City 2 Surf and the Sunrun.
Improve Your Running With RunRight Running Coaching
If you’re keen to learn how to run properly, enjoy your running more, improve your run technique and minimise your risk of injury then contact us or call us on 9280 2322 and book your assessment. Or if you’d like any further information then please email Ben Liddy, our Head of Running Performance, on Ben@centralperformance.com.au, and he will be happy to answer any questions that you may have.
