HOW HIGH TO PULL THE FOOT UP IN RUNNING?
To know the answer to this question, one has to understand
the purpose of the "pull" in running.
In the Pose Method® of Running, the pull is the last
element of the technique that allows for the most efficient
transition from one foot to the other. That's the purpose,
now let's elaborate.
Running is nothing but "change of support". If
all we need to do is change our support, then the ultimate
goal is to do that action with the least possible effort.
Actively working just one group of muscles - the hamstrings
- fits the purpose. So to run is to pull your feet up with
hamstrings, while leaning forward. What for? To change support
to continue to move forward.
So how high and how intense is the pull? It should only be
high enough and strong enough to break contact with the ground.
Due to inertia the foot will naturally come up higher, if
you're running at a higher speed. And it will travel lower
at a slower pace.
You will notice that putting less intentional effort into
pulling your feet up will help you do it correctly, by utilizing
the hamstrings only. You will also notice that such an important
thing as high cadence is easier to achieve, if you don't pull
your feet all the way up.
The general rule is - you're better off "under-doing"
it, than "over-doing" it. If you pull too high and
too hard you will waste energy and will tire your hamstrings.
The exaggerated motion of the pull, demonstrated in the running
drills, is strictly for learning purposes, to help your body
learn better patterns of movement required for running.
Article by Dr. Nicholas Romanov
Composed by L. Romanov
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