Lean In For Speed

One simple tweak could make running so much easier – and more enjoyable.

- Ashley Mateo

BEFORE I STARTED RUNNING a few years ago, the furthest I ever really ran was precisely 13 steps down a polevault runway. I was a gymnast for 17 years, and all I cared about was generating enough speed and power to flip over something, while still having enough control to stop – if necessary – within a nanosecond of ploughing into the vault.

I didn’t realise how much my gymnast background affected my running form until I started training for half and full marathons. Some coaches I worked with told me I run ‘tall’, others just straight-out told me I run ‘like a gymnast’, and I took that as a compliment at the time. I do run tall: chest upright, chin tilted slightly up, spine almost perpendicular to the ground. And it never bothered me; I’ve finished 12 half marathons and three marathons, generally improving my time with each race.

It wasn’t until I was training for speed during a half-marathon block that a friend and running coach said to me, “Wow, you run really tall. Aren’t your quads exhausted?” I realised my form might not be just an amusing quirk – it might actually be holding me back. This coach suggested I try leaning forward a bit when I run, as shifting my weight could make running a little easier for me. Since I was aiming for a PB, I reckoned I’d take any advice that could get me to that finish line faster; and in the process, I spoke with some experts on the topic.

Why You Shouldn’t Run Tall

‘Run tall’ is a common coaching cue, but it’s a vague direction that can easily be misconstrued. I always took ‘run tall’ to literally mean ‘run upright’, which is why I never thought my form was that bad. The more upright you are, the taller you are, right?