Running

Barefoot running is a natural extension of the skills learnt in the first 2 stages of the training program.

The first two stages will reconnect your brain and body to your feet, develop the fundamental skills of posture and rhythm and begin to condition your movement system with the strength, flexibility and elasticity required for injury free barefoot running.

As your skill develops and becomes a more ‘subconscious’ activity your technique should become increasingly relaxed. Inappropriate muscle activity is inefficient and leads to injury. Relaxed, skillful technique is the sign of a master of any sport and barefoot running is no exception.

Posture

• Torso leads the way
• Don’t look down
• Feet under body not in front
• Land specifically on ball of foot (diagram)

Rhythm

• Short strides
• Elbows match stride rate
• Bouncy rhythm (180)

Relaxed

What could I be doing wrong?

• Bent at hip (chasing head, looking down)
• Foot landing too far ahead of body
• Landing on lateral forefoot / supinated (diagram)
• Over-striding
• Slow ‘sticky’ rhythm
• Tense upper body, shoulders