Good Running Techniques – For Triathletes and Triathlons
Running is the simplest of the three triathlon sports, but it is plagued by injury and a host of overly-complicated phrases and technologies. The keys to successful running are developing a good personal style, wearing the right shoes and avoiding injury.
Avoiding injury
Running is very injury prone, so always keep an eye on how often and how far you run; only increase your distances in small amounts and never run if you are injured. You can still keep fit by going to the pool and doing some Aqua jogging and using out-of-the-saddle riding on hills to build up the muscles that are useful for your running. Above all, take care not to get injured in the first place.
There is no secret to being injury free or running fast. You have to be low weight (within your personal highs and lows) and have regular run training under your belt – there are no aerodynamic aids, just consistent running. It is the last sport in your multisport event, so fatigue will be at its highest.
Your ability to run efficiently, even when tired, is vital to your getting to the finish line. Wanting faster times means you must learn, over time, to be able to run hard in spite of many bodily signals telling you to slow down. For the first season, completion is the key, even with a fading style.
Running style
Of the three sports, running is the one that is most likely to show your personal style. No two running styles look exactly the same and you should run in the way that feels most comfortable to you, not impose someone else’s style on your own. Your mechanics of movement are the result of your limb lengths, muscle attachments, flexibility and muscle development – or lack of them.
If you have a previous injury history, try to ascertain the cause: training mileage, hard surfaces, worn shoes, running tired, being overweight or running too hard too often. Injuries stop people training, finishing events or even being able to run again. Be honest with yourself and you may find a weakness that can become a strength.
Top Tip
Pool running, otherwise known as Aqua jogging, with a run-specific flotation belt can be a great way to mix a swim and run session. It also means you can stop a niggle becoming a full blown injury or maintain your run fitness whilst injured and unable to run on hard surfaces.
by : Paul O. Scott