Does form matter?

Posted In: ChiRunning | Fitness | Running May 11th, 2011 divider 2 Comments »

That’s what Runner’s World asks this month in this great article. If you’re a follower of this blog or know me at all, you know I would say a big YES!

I love it since it highlights what I’ve been saying for a bit. The minimalist movement is happening! People are starting to pay attention at the way they run, walk and move in general. Ten or even five years ago, most people had no idea if they were heel striking or not. Now some, if not most runners have an idea. Slowly but surely!

I might be biased since in ChiRunning we basically teach that form is paramount but I’ve seen huge results since I changed my form. Not really with races (although I’ve gotten faster at most distances without really training), but mostly by getting rid of injuries and soreness associated with running. That, to me, is key. And now I’m really enjoying running these days!

It hasn’t been easy, I had to turn my ego and slow it down for a few months to really concentrate on proper technique. I try to be honest with people when I teach or do talks. The proper form will not come to you overnight. But if you put the work in, it will help you for years to come.

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I’m really looking forward to the next few stops on the ECinc Cross Canada Tour. I will be in Yellowknife at the end of May for a weekend of fun and then in the Halifax area the following weekend (June 4-5). Hit me up if I missed your city so far…

And I still have a few spots open for my first outdoor workshop in Ottawa this year (Sat 1-5pm @ Mooney’s Bay). Drop me a line if you know anyone that would be interested in this one!