06/08/2025
Running, my honest opinion so far...
After 25 years immersing myself in physics, biomechanics, clinical gait analysis, foot shapes, orthotics, ramp angles, shoe design, barefoot, forefoot, cadence, evolution, Pose, Chi, Masai, Alexander, Vibram five fingers (what were we thinking?), and investigating nearly every running bandwagon theory under the sun, I’ve arrived at one clear conclusion and a single, simple truth: To be a better runner, focus on strength, conditioning & mobility. That’s it. Here’s the breakdown of my findings:
1. There’s no one running style that fits all. We’re all built differently. What works for one runner might not work for you.
2. There’s no such thing as bad running technique yet there is always better. The fact that you’re running is better than not.
3. Promoting better posture will always help stabilize your body weight and make you become more balanced and efficient.
4. Forefoot running might scientifically make you more efficient, but could well cause calf and achillies pain / discomfort.
5. The older we get, the more we need to respect our need to recover. Most clinics are busy with older runners ignoring this simple rule.
6. Choose ‘maximistic’ over ‘minimalistic’ running shoes. Treat your feet especially if you’re doing a lot of road running.
7. If returning from injury, promote 5 minute increments of running every other day. ‘Tease’ your body back to fitness.
8. Get off road at least once a week. The body far prefers a natural undulating surface over a relentlessly hard, flat, non porous one.
9. Adopt a simple post run cool down program and foam roll regularly too. You’ll spend less time needing to see a professional.
10. Running more doesn’t always make you a better runner, but strength & conditioning... that definitely will.
Self confessed sports injury, running injury, back pain, running & performance geek, nerd, enthusiast.