Barefoot Running Workshop 2: Lower and Upper Biomechanics

Barefoot Running Workshop 2: Lower and Upper Biomechanics
By Emilie Reas, Chapter President, San Diego, California


In the first of our Barefoot Running Workshops, we explored facts and fiction of barefoot running, sensory awareness and mechanics of the foot. In our second workshop today, we introduced basic running kinematics before moving north from the foot to cover mechanics of the lower and upper body. Here’s a recap of the workshop highlights for those who missed it.


RUNNING KINEMATICS

Before diving into the nitty-gritty of leg, hip and torso function, it’s essential to understand how one gets from zero to running in the first place. Running has been described in a multitude of ways, from a controlled fall to alternating one-legged hops to a springy, aerial variant of walking. Given this confusing jumble of terminology, what then are the essential movements that convert a stationary body to a running body? The basic motion is far simpler than most runners would imagine. There’s no jumping, bouncing or flying required! In essence, running is nothing more than marching while moving forward. To continue reading, please visit: http://emiliereas.com/2015/06/13/barefoot-running-workshop-2-lower-and-upper-biomechanics/
 
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I took Dr. Cucuzella's running course. He says push with the glutes, don't lift the foot. Strange i know but he runs really smooth and fast. Can't argue it too much as the glutes are the biggest muscle in the body and most peoples psoas are short and tight. Then again their glutes are also inhibited or weak from all that sitting too.
 
When I would tire on long runs, I would lift my feet to avoid scraping my feet across the ground.