Knees

Introduction: Seems like most non runners use knee pain as their reason they do not run. Reading this page only gives you part of the prevention. Often when one part of our bodies hurt, it is caused by a different part of our body.….read on.

Compare: Seem pretty obvious that we must bend our knees. The questions are how much and do we ever not bend our knees?

Do: In the 80%+ of the time we run (slow and conversational runs), always keep your knees bent.

Don't: Unless running very fast, do not straighten your knee in front of you.

Why: Straight knee in front, along with over striding, is a recipe for injury. Bent knees cushion ground impact.

How 1: Focus on quicker turnover and shorter strides at the same time. Do not just increase your speed.

How 2: Leaning forward at ankles and nudging elbows back sets your body up to do it right. Think about landing when your foot is already moving backwards.

Imperfect Practice: Over stride in front of body, then lean and stride behind you, then lean more, repeat.

Feel: Less pounding into the ground. Like a native American Indian moving lightly through the forest. Float like a cloud.

Story: Knee pain can be mitigated or avoided with short fast strides and floating over the ground. Virtually everyone I have helped with their running form LOVES this approach and the immediate benefit.