The concept of running being a natural activity is an often debated question — one that is usually based on false assumptions. For example, many still believe that there is a single right way to run.
Many of these people believe that if there were a way to run faster and with fewer injuries, and that would work for all people, then it would be discovered by default. In other words there, would then be one single pattern or technique of running.
Another very prevalent view is that running technique is something that the runner is either born with or not. Also, the only way to improve running technique is to simply run and let the process happen naturally.
This latter view is supported by the belief that individual runners naturally develop a stride pattern that works best for them in the normal course of training. They firmly believe that what works well for one person will not work well for another person.
All of these beliefs have some validity to them. But most are based on erroneous or false beliefs or conclusions. For example, a study on teaching running technique, showed that running economy of high-level triathletes was actually reduced after 12 weeks of practicing the Pose method of running.
However, if the researchers truly understood running technique and what is involved in running, they never would have used the Pose method because it is flawed. This method is based on erroneous concepts and only confuses what is known in science on effective running technique. Thus we see false conclusions based on false assumptions.
In order to have effective technique work is necessary for the instructor to be well-versed in the scientific bases of running technique. They should have a strong background in biomechanics, not in exercise physiology from which most of the running “experts” seem to come from.
Only with this background can it be determined whether the runner has effective technique for his or her body type and physical attributes. Everyone can benefit greatly from technique modifications. This includes even world-class runners! No one is beyond improvement of their technique and physical abilities.
There is no questioning the fact that runners will find their optimal running technique and running economy. But this does not mean that they cannot improve both of these aspects. Everyone, if left on their own, will develop the most efficient or economical movement pattern for the specific task at hand.
What is often ignored is that when shown how to do something more effectively or economically, their performance increases significantly. Thus the key is in knowing how to make the running technique more effective. This is beyond the ability of most coaches and it appears, running researchers.
This is understandable because there is no bona fide curriculum for coaches or researchers in which they can learn about effective running technique. In fact, there are very few specialists in this area, due in part to the lack of such teaching on the university level. Because of this we will continue to see more false assumptions and conclusions in the running community.
To learn more about the science of running technique and its practical application, him see Explosive Running. My knowledge is the only book that addresses this topic supported with sequential pictures taken from live organic video tape that are accompanied with biomechanical and kinesiological analyses. It should be required reading for everyone who wants to do research on running technique or running improvement.