Monday, November 20, 2017

The 100-Up Exercise Can Improve Running Form

The 100-Up Exercise Can Improve Running Form

Christopher McDougall recently did an article for the NY Times. In the article he suggests what he calls a "fool-proof way to run perfectly." He is talking about the "100-Up Exercise" that was invented by Walter George in 1874.

He demonstrates the 100-Up Exercise in a video, which he refers to as "The Lost Secret of Running." McDougall may be overstating the exercise by saying that it is "the one way to run perfectly," but there are reportedly impressive results from doing this exercise on a regular basis. See his video and more here: 100-Up-Exercise 

"Knowledge itself is power." -- Francis Bacon

Using the 100-Up exercise for only two years, Walter became the fastest amateur miler in England. After five years, he became a world record holder for multiple distances. McDougall himself reports faster racing times and a personal best using the 100-Up Exercise without a serious training schedule. 

The following diagram also provides helpful information to improve and develop barefoot running foot strike and technique. It suggests driving the knee forward as you imagine stepping over a log, using the hips and glutes to drive the knee and keeping the rest of the leg hanging and relaxed. Visualize this movement to help ensure that you land gently on your forefoot with your ankles and feet under your knees. (Click to enlarge to read full details.)

Barefoot Running Form
Techniques to Improve
Barefoot Running Form

If you were previously a heel striker and are just beginning to run barefoot, your calves will probably hurt a lot in the beginning. Running with a heel strike doesn't utilize the calves and prevents them from absorbing the shock when landing. With time, the muscles in your calves will develop, become stronger and will be able to naturally support your feet without pain. 

Dr. Mark Cucuzzella is a 44-year-old barefoot runner who is probably one of today's faster barefoot runners. Cucuzzella was told by his surgeon while in his 30s that he would have to give up running as his feet were so malformed due to surgery and arthritis. 

Instead of quitting, Cucuzzella changed his running form and began to land gently on his forefoot. Now he is not just running pain free, but he is running better and faster. The following barefoot running technique video demonstrates his very powerful barefoot running form and provides very specific ways on how to improve your running technique. (See summary below video.)

source:  CLICK HERE


Read more: http://www.thepeacefulrunner.com/barefoot-running-form.html#ixzz4yxgMH3nF

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