The Kenyan runners, schooled by Brother Colm O’Connell in Eldoret, say that running flatfooted is preferable to the traditional “heel-to-toe” running prescribed largely in the US. The reason being – flatfooted mechanics actually are less stressful on the lower leg and produce less injuries. This orientation actually allows for quicker turnover.
The Kenyans are big proponents of training smartly. They:
a. Stay off of hard surfaces. Hard surfaces are reserved for competition.
b. Warm up very slowly on runs and gradually pick up the pace. This allows the muscles to warm up and be used more efficiently and with less risk of injury.
c. Make sure that running shoes are not at the end of their recommended life (mileage), as this can bring injury.
d. Engage in very rigorous post run stretching.
e. Feel a twitch in a hamstring or IT band they will take the day off and ice it rather than trying to push through it and run the risk of taking four weeks off because of an injury.
f. Listen to your body.
g. Resting is as important as exercising.
h. You beat me today – I’m going to beat you tomorrow.
I seldom comment, but i did some searching and wound up here
Running – Kenyan Style « general conditions.. And I actually do have a few questions for you if you don’t mind. Could it be simply me or does it look like a few of these responses look as if they are coming from brain dead visitors? 😛 And, if you are posting at other online sites, I would like to keep up with everything new you have to post. Would you list of the complete urls of all your public sites like your twitter feed, Facebook page or linkedin profile?