Any keen runner looking to improve their technique by having running training in the north-west or elsewhere around the UK will no doubt have heard their coach tell them that they need to stop pounding the pavement quite so much and try their hardest to run quietly.
But why is this so important, what benefits could running like a ninja bring and how on earth do you run quietly anyway when you’re so busy concentrating on everything else?
Running in a softer fashion can help you build up excellent form, be a more efficient runner, strengthen your feet and reduce the chances of injury – the latter of which is very important, given how high impact running can be, especially if you’re on the road.
No doubt you’ve heard about – or perhaps experienced for yourself – runner’s knee, plantar fascitis, Achilles tendonitis, shin splints and stress fractures… these are all consequences of hitting the ground too hard when you run, which can be counteracted by training yourself to run quietly.
So how do you go about this? First of all, you need to look at your stride and try to adjust this if you need to. It will take time and you will need to build up to it before you can do it without thinking, with the aim being to achieve a midfoot strike on the ground beneath your hips and centre of gravity. If you land in front of your hips, you’re going to feel the impact in your knees and back.
When landing, try to hit the ground with the middle of your foot as quietly as you can, with your toes splayed so you activate all the muscles in your foot. Speak to your running coach the next time you see them and ask if they can help you work this all out.
