The stability vs. mobility question is fundamental for any runner who wants to feel better and run smoothly. The two main areas of your body where runners are told to be concerned with stability are: the feet, where you might be advised to wear stability shoes and/or orthotics the midsection, where you might be advised … Read more
Down deep every runner has The Dream, the fantasy in which they run almost without effort, just flowing or flying over the earth. But if you google “running quotes,” most of what you’ll find them talking about is hard work and suffering. That is the painful predicament many runners know all too well. Running doesn’t feel … 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 top question I get from my students and clients when I teach something about running form is, “Should I be thinking about this when I’m running?” The answer is NO. While you’re actually running is the wrong time to work on your running form or technique. The reasons are numerous, but here are some … Read more
Does your running feel like drudgery, a chore, or a mindless routine? If so, you’re not getting the fitness benefits you could, you’re missing out on some of the biggest stress-relief, mood-lifting, and even brain-building benefits running can offer, and you’re keeping yourself from becoming a more skillful runner. I have been lucky enough to … Read more
This week as I’ve introduced The Balanced Runner Online Camp, a number of people have emailed me with questions about it. Since they’re mostly the same six questions, I thought it would be helpful to share the answers with you in case you have one of these questions too. The Most Important Factor The key … Read more
Over the course of this week I’ve told you my story of learning how to run—complete with some real dunderhead moments. Through that, you saw how learning to move better is critical to realizing the dream of smooth, flowing, easy running. Not exercise, not pushing, not shoes, but a really effective learning process targeting the … Read more
In the past couple of posts I’ve been telling the story of my frustrating, miserable early days as a runner, as I fruitlessly chased the dream of running that would feel nearly effortless, flowing… even like I was flying! If you’re a runner I’m guessing you have that dream too. You may be actively trying to make it … Read more
In the spring of 2001 I was really frustrated. I badly wanted to run, but it felt awful. Every single time I went out the door I struggled through a few pounding, gasping miles and returned home dejected. My back hurt, my knees and feet hurt, and the whole thing felt like an assault. Despite … Read more
The magazines, your coach or physio, a multitude of books and, yes, even bloggers are telling you your problems will be solved by improving your running technique. You’ll be faster, you won’t be injured as much, and you’ll become the runner you dream of being. Maybe you feel yourself moving in the right direction, slow … Read more
One of the generally accepted elements of good running technique these days is cultivating a stride rate of 180 or above (meaning your feet touch the ground 180 or more times per minute). For a number of years I have recommended this as well. However a few clues have recently begun to suggest something different to me, and this month … 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
This post is part of the The Balanced Runner Keys series. You’re probably reading this blog because you want to learn the right way to run. You may have very pressing reasons for that — perhaps you’re hurt, or you feel like running is really taking a toll on your body, or you feel there’s … 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
