I'm pretty sure I've had runners tell me they've even paid up to $500.

I was shook.

Running gait analysis can be...interesting. And I'm going to drop a major secret and out my own physical therapy profession.

While every PT is taught how to do a gait assessment, it doesn't mean we're all good at it.

I always assume that if a runner has paid the big bucks (especially that $500 range), then they've probably found someone very credible.

However...

I've also heard of runners walking away from running form sessions like these with an entre list of what's wrong with them...

and no concrete steps to FIX ANYTHING. That's what makes me angry.

Not to mention, I keep diving down the running research rabbit hole (mostly because I can't stop myself) and I'm kind of shocked at what I'm learning.

We know 100% that some running form habits are BAD:

• overstriding
• lots of vertical ossilication (that up and down bobbing),
• seeing hip drop from behind (look up "Trendelenburg running gait" if you're confused)
• I'd even buy into your toe off phase looking asymmetrical (fancy PT speak for when you push off your toes, it looks different side to side).

And the reason we've dwelt on this for so long is we've assumed that *perfect* running form will:

1. make us injury proof
2. improve our running economy (meaning make us a more efficient and therefore better performing, stronger runner)

I hate to break it to you... But that's NOT 100% accurate.

I explain things way more in depth in this week's blog post about the major biomechanics you SHOULD look out for and the exercises that can help improve your biomechanics and running form, because I know that's important to you...

But I wanted to take the space and time in this newsletter/email to tell you: there's nuance. Balance.

That yes, I'll take videos of myself running, review the footage and go "OMG I overstride that badly?"

And that for the past 8 months, whenever I run on the treadmill, I take advantage of my reflection on the big screen-thing and I've been actively working on reducing that monster vertical ossilication I have.

And as a result, my easier pace has actually gotten faster.

I HAVE become a more efficient runner.

and I'm learning to embrace how weird it feels it actually run slow and easy, and not bouncy like a jack rabbit. oops.

So yes, running form does matter to an extent. But if you ever feel pressured by social media (or whomever) to obsess over it, just check yourself before you wreck yourself.

There's merit to giving yourself a little reality check like I did. (it was humbling, but it was worth it).

There's also a huge benefit to just running more. Focusing on fixing the basics. Because I need you to realize, your body knows how to do this. It knows how to run.

Our running form gets all funky from 30, 40+ years of moving weird because of pain, old injuries, old movement patterns we didn't know we were holding on to.

But it innately knows how to do this. I break down other factors that play a huge roll in why your running form looks the way it does and what you do and don't have control over in the blog, so be sure to check it out.

It'll give you a better perspective, the bigger picture. Something that a 9 second instagram video just can't.

And if you've ever had one of those running gait assessments done, can you tell me about it?

Hit reply and tell me your story if you're so inclined. I'd actually love to hear your experience, how it helped you...or maybe how it didn't?

As always...

Dare to Train Differently,

Marie Whitt, PT, DPT //@dr.whitt.fit

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