Hip Position

Chartsengrafs

I'd like to hear people's thoughts on hip position. Part of running efficiently is the avoidance of over-striding. In theory, feet should be landing underneath the hip. (For those in the know - correct me if I'm wrong on this).

When I do try to maintain my hips slightly further forward I definitely do feel some benefit in terms of foot strike - it feels smoother. I guess my question is - what are the drawbacks of pushing the hips forward. (There's always a drawback ) Secondly, hip position is probably a function of some other element of the runner's form. Interested to hear thoughts on this also.
I notice I'm more 'aware' of my glutes when engaging the hips more. I'm not sure if this is a good or a bad thing.

Just something I've been thinking about. And no doubt there are folks here knocking out 2.40 marathons without thinking about things like hip position!

mo_bhicycle

I pretty much have the same experience as you. I suffer from PTT occasionally, primarily due to over-striding. I find focusing on hip position and lifting feet rather than toeing-off are the two key things for me.
I've always had poor glute engagement and hips forward really helps with this. It always feels very far forward but when I see a picture or my reflection it's actually just right. Must be to do with sitting for so long during the day that has modified my sense of normal hip alignment.

Myles Splitz

Chartsengrafs wrote: »

I'd like to hear people's thoughts on hip position. Part of running efficiently is the avoidance of over-striding. In theory, feet should be landing underneath the hip. (For those in the know - correct me if I'm wrong on this).

When I do try to maintain my hips slightly further forward I definitely do feel some benefit in terms of foot strike - it feels smoother. I guess my question is - what are the drawbacks of pushing the hips forward. (There's always a drawback ) Secondly, hip position is probably a function of some other element of the runner's form. Interested to hear thoughts on this also.
I notice I'm more 'aware' of my glutes when engaging the hips more. I'm not sure if this is a good or a bad thing.

Just something I've been thinking about. And no doubt there are folks here knocking out 2.40 marathons without thinking about things like hip position!

This should be the aim if focusing on your form in theory.

The idea is that hips should be slightly forward to allow full extension of the hip.

Most people when dealing with form tend to focus on staying tall, knees up and foot strike in relation to the hip. The only problem with that focus is there is no forward momentum, you are basically using most energy in vertical movements.

By tilting the hips slightly forward you allow forward propulsion and allow for improved hip extension. Overstriding becomes alot more difficult when you do this actually as your legs are almost catching up with your hips (for want of a better explanation) to get them to this point and beyond the normal range of motion into overstriding becomes increasingly difficult.

The only issue with this is that for many of us hip flexor tightness or underactive Glute and Hamstring muscles impact the power we can generate in our stride and also fatigue impacting how long we can sustain it.

Most of the power from our stride should be generated from Glutes and hamstrings with the elasticity element i the calves and ankle joint supplying additional support through energy expenditure efficiency.

You can't manipulate the stride efficiently without addressing mobility and strength also.