The Biomechanics of Running 7/8 PE Track and Field Unit 2nd Semester

What is Biomechanics? Biomechanics refers to the way our muscles, bones, and joints work together as we move.

Running vs. Walking Running and walking gaits are not the same Walking has a greater stride width Running has a narrower stride width Running has a greater step and stride length

Walking Gait

The Running Cycle There are three phases to the running cycle: Stance—foot on ground Swing—foot coming up or down Float—not touching the ground

Running Gait

Foot Pronation and Supination Pronation is when the heel strikes the ground and the foot rolls inward. It is the normal motion of the foot when you walk or run. Supination is the opposite motion of pronation. The foot supinates, or rolls on its outer edge, to help with stability as we walk or run.

Pronation and Supination Picture of right foot: Moving excessively inward This is Overpronation Runners with low arches tend to overpronate Picture of right foot Moving excessively outward This is Oversupination Runners with high arches tend to oversupinate

Foot Strike Distance running: Generally, heel-first, then toe push-off Sprinting: Generally, on ball of foot, then toe push-off

Check your Form, Part One Head up—look straight ahead Run tall—don’t slouch Arms should be at a 90-degree angle Hands should stay relaxed—cup your hands (thumb to forefinger) (Pictured above is Kelsey Santisteban from CVHS)

Check your Form, Part Two Swing your legs naturally—knees should not come above their natural swing Do not overpronate or oversupinate your feet Don’t overstride (don’t reach for the next stride)

Check your Form, Part Three RELAX! Staying relaxed means keeping your face, hands, and arms loose while you run

What did you learn from this? Please write something that you didn’t know before, on your handout: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

References Bird, A. (2002). Biomechanics of Running. Retrieved from http://www.latrobe.edu.au/podiatry/documents/podbiopdfs/BioofRunning.pdf American Running Association. (2010). Check your form: Running with correct biomechanics. Accessed from http://www.active.com/running/Articles/Check_your_form__Running_with_correct_biomechanics.htm What is biomechanics? Accessed from http://sportspodiatry.co.uk/biomechanics.htm Pourtauborde, A. (2010). What is pronation? Accessed from http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-pronation.htm