Comments on: How to Run like Chris Solinsky: Improve Your Form to Prevent Injuries

By: How to Choose Running Shoes: If the Shoe Doesn’t Fit, Don’t Wear It

How to Choose Running Shoes: If the Shoe Doesn’t Fit, Don’t Wear It — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 12:25:51 +0000

[...] of the biggest sources of running injuries comes from poor running mechanics. The fact is, form matters. In order to reduce the risk of getting hurt, focus on your running [...]

By: 7 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Running — The Trailblazer Hub

7 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Running — The Trailblazer Hub — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 14:03:06 +0000

[...] movement, and needs to be done efficiently if you want to prevent injuries and run fast. Learn the correct running form early in your running career when it’s not as hard to [...]

By: 7 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Running

7 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Running — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 13:41:42 +0000

[...] movement, and needs to be done efficiently if you want to prevent injuries and run fast. Learn the correct running form early in your running career when it’s not as hard to [...]

By: Fitz

Fitz — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 00:57:56 +0000

Hi Lee – regarding #3, in fact, I agree with you now! My thinking has changed since I wrote this article 9 months ago. It’s impractical for your foot to land EXACTLY underneath your body. It will land slightly in front of you, but it should still be under your center of mass. Still, a good cue for runners is to try and land directly underneath your body. It won’t happen, but it will reinforce proper stride mechanics.

Regarding #4, my thinking has also changed. The stride rate of 180 steps per minute is not a “magic” number. It certainly is a good number since it’s quick, but you can be over or under this and still have great mechanics. What’s important is, if you need to, increase your stride rate by roughly 10%. It’s hard to say what’s fast enough, but if you’re under 160 then I would be concerned. Personally, I am usually in the 170-180 range during my normal distance runs but this increases during fast training.

Thanks for the thoughtful comments!

By: Lee Murs

Lee Murs — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 23:39:44 +0000

I disagree with numbers 3 and 4.
If you watch any good runner, from Bolt to Haile, Solinsky included – none of them land with their feet directly under them. This is simply not a productive way to run, you’re cutting inches off your stride, and you won’t lose much (if any) momentum by attempting to create an awkward and nearly unnatural stride.
Quick turnover does, absolutely, prove to be a great means of running. The Japanese marathoners are stereotype-fitting, they’re short. A quick cadence does work, but it’s not the only method.

It’s important to find the right balance between ideal form and what your body can produce.