Vertical impact loading and running injuries

Shocking! Runners who land softer are less likely to get injured…

Article by NYTimes: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2016/02/10/why-we-get-running-injuries-and-how-to-prevent-them/

Study by Harvard: http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2016/01/07/bjsports-2015-094579.abstract

Important cues for runners:

• think about landing softly as if “running over eggshells”
• increase your cadence: there is debate on this but the general consensus is at least 180 steps per mile for maximum efficiency

• avoid over-striding: your foot should land under your pelvis… not in front! To gain stride length think about squeezing your glute and extend the stride behind you
• experiment with a mid to forefoot strike: this shifts some of the load from your joints to the calf and quad muscles

Happy Running!