Dr.Nicholas Romanov, author of "POSE Method of Running"
“What is running, really?” “Running is the act of moving cargo (your body) down the road of trail using the force of gravity and the power of muscular contractions”.
In chapter 18, the importance of timing is discussed and how to move your body parts in proper sequences to practice the POSE Method correctly. For example, holding the support foot on the ground too long breaks the flow and throws the runner out of the “frame”.
In next chapter it's time to start integrating the components of the POSE Method into your running. This is a part where I think many runners/readers fall through when reading the book. And that's also why Dr.Romanov emphasizes the importance to fully believe in the concept; “if you understand why something works, you'll be much more likely to make the commitment to devote yourself to learning it”. Here, the book start to move from a philosophical introduction to hands on instructions how to physically master the movements that compromise POSE running.
“All concepts are integrated, you can't increase forward lean without increase velocity without reducing the time your feet remain on support”. In other words, a total understanding of the principles of the method is absolutely crucial, or else, attempting to switch running technique can do more harm than good. “A little knowledge is a dangerous thing”, as they (Alexander Pope) say.
In the implementation of the new running style, practice, repetition and then some more practice is being stressed. “You'll be learning the same concepts over and over, integrating them into a system of movements designed to free gravity to pull you forward”. “It would be akin to just taking a car out for a spin before you learn how to steer, brake an accelerate”.
Chapter 20 – Mastering running technique. “It's common to think that running is something we do while piano is something we learn...anyone can pound on the keys but it's quite obvious that such pounding doesn't equate to making music”. In other words, running is a skill to practice and refine and according to the book, there is a way for everyone how to run optimally.
The word technique is translated as the art of performing a skill and that “running technique is not unique to each individual human being”. “Along with running technique, psychological, mental and spiritual factors all effects performance”. Being able to perform during stressful situations and not to choke under pressure is highlighted as very important during running. Successfully controlling your feelings and being able to maintain proper running technique “will equip us to run at the highest possible level”.
Since the book, POSE Method of Running is written mainly for the reader/runner to self-learn a new running technique (not an easy task), the importance of developing a “running sensibility” is explained. Here's usually where the role of a Personal Trainer/coach comes in, developing an understanding of what to look for how to feel and behave to practice and refine the technique. “Just as a pianist depend on personal sensitivity in hearing, music tone, rhythm...the pianist shuts out the outside world and develops a protective bubble occupied only by music”.
"The ball of the foot"
Now (chapter 22), it's finally time to get up on your feet as a reader and start to learn the running pose, beginning with simple drills without any forward movement. “Learning the running pose... remove your shoes...stand infront of a mirror...shift your bodyweight to the ball of the supporting foot...keep all joints bent...feel the elasticy in your muscles...lift one foot off the ground...your body should feel like a integrated spring-like system, etc, etc”.
“Motion is created by the destruction of balance”
Leonardo da Vinci
The book goes further into explaining how to learn the method. “ Learning to free fall” and “Develop sensations of free falling” are chapters containing drills to further understand the method.
“The challenge of turning theory into practice in anything is always a big hurdle. You're going to get through this, and once you do, you're never going to look back”.
Cues on how to self-correct the technique during an actual run is presented. “You have now made the transition from thought to action...it's now time to build up the capacity of your body and your mind to become the best runner you can possibly be”.
The remaining of the book, a good 1/3, gives specific strength and conditioning exercises (to develop muscle elasticity, flexibility and hip and hamstring strength) how to refine, recognize, correct and retain the POSE technique.
Following post on the POSE METHOD OF RUNNING will contain a summary of my own thoughts and findings about the method, research and other running techniques. But before then I'm off to Chicago and the IDEA Fitness Fusion Convention – you can be sure I'll give a recap of my experiences there that you don't want to miss!
Stay tuned!
/Henrik
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