2013 Part Deux

[Sweder]

It's all dancing around the same handbag that McDougall dips into for Born To Run. Barefoot, Chi ... it's about minimal impact and motion without resistance. Dan, you're right; it's easy to get bogged down in the science. What feels right is probably what's best for you.

When faced with a particularly steep climb I think of 'running over hot coals' to shorten and increase my stride. Less time in contact with the ground = a lighter tread. It clearly puts strain on other areas though - chiefly calf and achilles.

Don't forget posture in all this. Mid/ front foot striking is fine so long as you have balance. Too much forward lean will strain the tendons. There's probably a clever algorithm for calculating the increased leverage on the supporting muscles based on angle of lean and hip position. All I know is, it's all too easy to lean too far forward and strain your lower legs (and your lower back) as a result. Part of the BtR recipe is upright posture. I found that, along with the mental image of spinning the Earth under my feet, stood me in good stead in Connemara. I hope it will again next month.