KAR Running Mechanics Workshop

      Good running mechanics are the secret to running faster and staying injury free.  Great running mechanics is why Jane Hedengren and Grant Fisher are faster than the rest of the world and stay injury free.  During the KAR Running Workshop we will cover how to identify weaknesses and problems in key bio-mechanisms (like the hip-glute complex) and then cover methods to improve the function of those mechanisms.  Among the systems that we will cover are:

1. Hip stability and strength: the foundation of the stride
2. Foot function and the big toe trigger: where it starts
3. Torso control: counter rotation and quiet running
4. Joint range of motion: the curse of tightness
5. Posture and balance: bringing it all together

      Also, because running is the production, transfer, and use of power, we will work on maximizing key mechanical movements to make you fundamentally faster and energy efficient.  To do this, we will talk about things like:

1. Tapping into elastic recoil - free energy
2. Maximizing glute function
3. Increasing stride length with hip extension
4. How the big toe triggers the glutes
5. Cross Torso control and activation
6. Front side and back side mechanics
7. The value of muscle stiffness

      The workshop will be Tuesday evenings, January 6 through February 17, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm, at the Community Education Center (Old Kalamazoo Central building), 714 South Westnedge, room 244, South Gym (enter by outside stairs of  the parking lot at the back of the building).  The workshop will be led by Mike Straubel, Valparaiso University Head Cross Country and Distance Track Coach for thirty-five years.