There are two important tests that runners can use to better conceptualize their own running form, and we’re sharing them with you on the show. Dr. Matthew Silver is a doctor of physical therapy, coach, cross country athlete, founder of Alpha Project Phyzio and Performance in Maryland, and author of the book “Built to Run.”
As founder of Alpha Project Phyzio, Dr. Matt works with runners to correct their form, improve their performance and help them avoid injury.
Matt is an avid runner himself, having spent well over a decade enjoying racing distances from the half mile all the way to the marathon. While he set his college’s 8k record and made the all-conference team, injuries prematurely ended Matt’s career, sparking his interest in physical therapy.
I met Matt in 2023 at a professional workshop for physical therapists (I was the only running coach there), and knew he had a lot of value to share with runners around running form.
Physical therapist and author Dr. Matthew Silver on the Running Form Tests Runners Can Use to Improve Footstrike and More
Matt’s new book is also now available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and the Alpha Project website.
Our conversation today focuses on running form, including two important tests that can help you better conceptualize how your body moves through space.
We spend a lot of time on foot strike, the problems associated with over-striding, and the many solutions for resolving this form error.
In this episode, Matthew and I talk about:
- Testing running form through the jump test: How to do it to find optimal jumping pace
- Running cadence and its relationship to form and performance
- Testing running form through the heel strike test: How to feel the difference between landing on the ball of the foot and the heel (which can lead to potential injury)
- Strength training and plyometric exercises for runners for improved tendon efficiency and cadence
- Running form and footstrike mechanics, including heel striking and overstriding
- Running form and balance during sprinting: Don’t run like a ballerina
- Running form and power training with dumbbells
- Focusing on simplicity and effectiveness in strength training: the “big three” exercises and the “KISS method”
If you’re starting to wonder whether your running form is helping or hurting your performance, this episode will give you a great place to start assessing your running form.
Subscribe to the podcast in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, or Google Play
Links & Resources from the Show:
- Dr. Matthew Silver on Instagram
- Alpha Project Phyzio on Instagram
- Read Matthew’s book: Built to Run
- Run easier and more powerfully with these form cues
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Thank you LMNT!
A big thanks to DrinkLMNT for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. They are offering a free gift with your purchase at DrinkLMNT. And this does NOT have to be your first purchase. You’ll get a sample pack with every flavor so you can try them all before deciding what you like best.
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