Run Analysis

Running Analysis

When I first scheduled my running analysis I had no idea what to expect beyond the understanding that I would be videoed and my form dissected. Well I definitely experienced just that during my analysis, what I wasn't ready for was how I would feel seeing myself on the screen and listening to the laundry list of issues that I have to fix with my gait. Some of my weaknesses were not a surprise because I have seen images of myself running but others were a surprise. It can be hard to stand there and hear everything that is wrong with your form, but the saving grace was the fact that I knew the end point - To be able to run efficiently and run forever! Isn't that the point of many of the additional elements of training? We may not want to strength training, stretch, etc., but it is all of the pieces together that make us a stronger whole.

A running analysis or gait analysis looks from head to toe. Nothing is off limits but because of that I was also able to hear some of the positives of my running. Yes the positives of my run form! We all have them, and it is necessary to remember what we do well. In my case, my head position looks good and I have a good understanding of arm swing. But like many runners my glute muscles need some attention and my alignment while running has some weakness. The good news though is that through little tweaks to my training through some prescribed exercises I can improve my running form. Yay! There are a couple ways to look at this though. One, I can ignore everything I heard and not take anything seriously. Not an option for me. Two, I can do the exercises begrudgingly knowing that I have additional work to add to a busy schedule. Again not an option. Three, I can do the exercises with gratitude knowing that I will become a better runner. That is my choice! There is always something to work on. Even professionals have their work to do. From my perspective, having things to work on makes training more fun. It keeps my head in the game and keeps my training a mindfulness practice as well.

And because I am all about giving resources fomr well respected sources below are few good articles to learn more about gait analysis, proper running form, and the muscles involved in running.

Active.com published a good article explaining in more detail what happens during an analysis and little bit more of the why. To read it click here.  I would highly recommend having an analysis done by a good professional. It is money well spent.

Runner's World also published a good article about Proper Running From that breaks down the different form elements. A good read.

Finally, Training Peaks came out with a good articles called How to Train The Three Most Important Muscles in Running that I like because it also gives ideas on how to strengthen the muscles groups.

Happy reading!