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www.wrightsvillebeachmagazine.com WBM
Often newbies try running
but throw in the towel
because bad form makes
it too difficult.
Running coach Tom Clifford says
that with the right form, anyone can
be a successful runner. It just takes
time, patience, commitment, and a
focus on form and the right tools.
The right form is a combination of
shoulder position, stance, stride and
foot strike. Tools include appropriate
shoes and a proper diet.
“I take people out on the road, put
them in correct position and videotape
it,” Clifford says. “I show them
the right way versus the wrong way,
and what it looks like.” Then he sets
up drills to help his runners get the
feel for the right form. “Often, people
get it right when they’re fresh, but lose
it over time. You have to really keep
focused when you’re fatigued.” He
adds that it’s not something beginners
can do on their own. Like most other
sports, having a pro help with form
and alignment is crucial. “You need
someone to tell you when you’re getting
sloppy and how to stay in control.
That’s key.”
The wrong stride, he explains, is
leaning backward and striking the
ground with your heel. “When your
heel lands in front of the body, it
throws off the stride,” Clifford says.
This can put undue stress on the lower
back and slow the runner down considerably.
Instead, lean forward about
two degrees and try to land on your
forefoot. “With feet landing directly
beneath the body, the way you land
when jumping rope,” he says, “efficiency
will follow.”
It seems tricky at first. But Clifford
assures that the faster you run, the
more the position becomes natural.
“When you’re running faster, you
tend to lean forward, trying to grab
the air in front of you,” he says.
“It’s tough to sprint on your heels.”
Clifford explains that with this stride
you find yourself propelling instead
of muscling forward. Think elasticity
and propulsion.
Shoes and
Conditioning
Kauffman, a running specialist at
a sporting goods store, says that
running shoes can make all the
difference in your success with this sport.
“The way you run is particular to your
body, like a fingerprint,” he says. “You
have to find shoes that work with your
natural stride to the best effect.” He says
there are at least six different types of
running shoes designed to complement
people’s natural stride, including a neutral
shoe, which is what most people have and
enjoy. Other types of shoes are designed
for guidance, stability and performance.
Running Right
Proper form can set you on the right track
Running coach Tom Clifford demonstrates the proper, efficient way to run.
Mark Kauffman placed second
overall in this year’s Tri-Span 10k race.
Photo courtesy of Mark Kauffman.