I took this photo today while out for an impromptu run along the Stanley Park seawall (3rd Beach, near downtown Vancouver.)

By late fall I have generally transitioned my run training to the treadmill (yes, I admit that I’m a suck when it comes to wet, cold feet.) But when the winter rain stops for a moment, and the sun shines low over the water – sometimes I just have to drop what I’m doing and get outside!

Passing by other smiling runners casting their long shadows on the seawall pavement, I was reminded again how few recreational joggers actually know HOW to run – the specific technique I mean. Yes, most move along at a good pace. And yes, most benefit from the conditioning. However, most would be surprised to learn that the cardiovascular benefits received by their heart and lungs may be coming at a cumulative cost of their skeletal joints.

As a trainer, I often see functional movement patterns that others might not. Today I observed hip, knee and/or ankle joints that (over time) will likely be affected by the excessive forces of an improper foot strike or poor knee/ankle alignment. I observed lower spines repeatedly being jarred by over-bouncing up and down like a pogo stick. I observed upper back and shoulder muscles all shrugged up and stiff.

Our NEED to maintain cardiovascular training through life is imperative, especially as part of a sedentary, over-fed society. It would be unfortunate to lose the ability to perform such training as we age and need it more. Further, think of the irony if the reason was because of cumulative damage from a running form that is not as efficient and effective, smooth and relaxed as it can be.

In order to safeguard your joints from damage, perfect your running technique - especially if you regularly run on hard surfaces. Here is a link to an article from Runners’ World that describes good technique:

The Perfect Form

If you are a recreational runner (outdoor or indoor), I suggest you take a look.

And keep running.

Doug@MyTrainerSays.com