Runners often come to me for help with neck and shoulder tension. On their own they try relaxing their shoulders but it only brings a few minutes of relief while running, then the tension creeps back again. The reason for the tension is often not anything to do with their shoulders, but instead how the … Read more
This post is the eleventh in a series explaining The Balanced Runner Keys. One of the first questions I ask a client before seeing them run is this: “Is there anything you’ve been trying to do with your running form?” About half say yes, and maybe mention something about their arms or not slouching or picking … Read more
Today’s blog post is a potpourri of things I’m working on, all of which center on how I can help you run better. First and foremost, I’m pleased to announce that following the great success of the first Core Action Running Technique Training Camp in March, I’ll be running it again beginning in early July. … Read more
A couple of days ago a reader posed a very thoughtful question, one that someone asks me at least a couple of times a year. The question is, essentially: how can I as a Feldenkrais practitioner write about “correct” running form? After all, the Feldenkrais Method uses an organic learning process, allowing people with many … Read more
The other day I was outside with a client, watching him run and asking him to notice certain things he was doing. A man I didn’t know walked past my client as he ran to the far end of the block, then offered the opinion, “He looks absolutely fine, he just needs to run faster.” … Read more
You read this blog to help you learn running technique that feels healthy, natural, and fluid. You read it to help you fulfill your potential for joyful running and excellent performance. But there’s a limit to what reading about running technique can do, and perhaps you’re beginning to feel you’d like to move beyond the theory … Read more
Last week I came across Steve Maxwell’s Vestibular Reset on Christopher McDougall’s blog. It looked good to me so I’ve been testing it out as a pre-run warmup. Take a look at the video and read the accompanying article first and then come back for my comments. This “vestibular reset” could also be called a … Read more
I’d like to share with you a little of my thinking that went into creating Free Your Feet. The kind of achilles and calf stress that tends to develop during the process of transitioning to forefoot striking and minimalist running tends to occur due to overstriding, with the hip joints too flexed, the pelvis held … Read more
This blog has been nominated for Trespass‘s 2014 blog awards! Voting continues through January 5, so please take a moment to go vote. Many thanks! Over the course of 2014, as I worked with my runner clients, taught workshops, gave talks, and listened to the running community, I heard over and over again that runners … Read more
Have you ever had someone coach you in running form — a coach, friend, therapist, or know-it-all acquaintance — and try as you might you just could not get it? You make an attempt and ask hopefully, “Was that it?” and get a shake of the head in return or a rephrased instruction or, worst … Read more
Last week I explained how barefoot running helps you stay healthy by providing endless variety in your running form. That variety helps spread out the stress to your tissues so you don’t keep breaking down the same areas over and over, risking injury. It also helps you cope with the unexpected – rough terrain, obstacles, … Read more
