Can your body teach itself to run better?

Cardex

Article in today's Irish Times: http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/features/2012/0910/1224323794412.html

Irish Times wrote:

Can your body teach itself to run better?
GRETCHEN REYNOLDS

Some say efficient running can only be taught, while others say you can learn simply by running. A new study involving 10 novice runners may settle the question

CAN PEOPLE become better, more efficient runners on their own, merely by running?

That question, seemingly so innocuous, is remarkably divisive at the moment, with running experts on one side suggesting that runners should be taught a specific, idealised running form, while opponents counter that the best way to run is whatever way feels right to you.

dna_leri

So by running you can become a better runner! Hmmm, does not seem like a breakthrough to me.

It would have been better if they had another group that received coaching in running technique while still doing a similar amount of running. Then a comparison could have been drawn between the two groups to see whether Running Economy (and other measures) improved equally.

meijin

Yes, I self-optimize too, based on various information I find online or in books

fleck

They were averaging 12-13 minutes per mile, that's a slow jog. I'd imagine the mechanics of running fast are quite different and therefore this study would shed little light on whether someone running 6-7 minute mile would likely benefit from help in running efficiently or whether it would come naturally.

Chartsengrafs

fleck wrote: »

They were averaging 12-13 minutes per mile, that's a slow jog.

Or a fast walk?!

Gumbi

Basster wrote: »

fleck wrote: »

They were averaging 12-13 minutes per mile, that's a slow jog.

Or a fast walk?!

If even.

huskerdu

I think it was too short a study to be useful,

My ITBS and subsequent knee problems, are classic overuse injuries and
incorrect posture and gait were the root cause, but it came to light after a year of running, when my mileage and pace increased, not 10 weeks after starting.