Running More Efficiently: The Value of a Professional Gait Analysis

Hello! Over the past few days, I have completed professional gait analyses for two of our ultramarathon runners. Both are talented athletes who are preparing to compete in challenging events. Their ability to run long distances over demanding courses is impressive. However, their running data also revealed movement patterns and possible form deficiencies that may have been limiting their efficiency. Thankfully, both runners are committed to improving. They made the trip to the New Hampshire Lakes Region for an in-depth professional gait analysis. I will return to their experience in a moment. First, let’s talk about what a gait analysis is and why proper running form matters. Bringing Professional Gait Analysis to New Hampshire Back in 2010, my good friend Lew Ricker and I brought professional running gait analysis to New Hampshire and the surrounding states.

Running, Glycogen, and Hot Weather

Hey Everyone! This chat is a bit late, but it is still important to share. As we move into warmer weather, runners need to understand what is happening inside the body and why running can feel so much harder when the temperature rises. I have been talking about this subject for over 20 years because I believe it helps runners train smarter, stay safer, and not get discouraged when summer running feels brutal. We have already moved from those comfortable 60-degree days into mid-80-degree weather, and that transition can be downright humbling. One week you feel fit, smooth, and strong. The next week you feel like you are carrying a piano on your back. So let’s talk about why. First, a little physiology Glycogen is one of the body’s main fuel sources for running. Glycogen is stored carbohydrate, mainly kept in your muscles and liver. When you run, strength train, or do any strenuous activity, your body uses glycogen to help fuel the working muscles.

Spring Running Motivation Showing Up

Getting Back Into Running This Spring Good morning! Despite the snow still on the ground, it truly is April. In less than two weeks, Hopkinton will be full of runners lining up for the Boston Marathon. If you’re not one of those who has prepared for the greatest marathon in the world, you’re likely working through the winter cobwebs to get back into your running shoes—or maybe you’re thinking about starting for the first time. Either way, this is one of the best times of year to get out and run. And I agree—it absolutely is. Last week, I shared my preparation for this Saturday’s Reds Race for a Better Community in Dover, and it has definitely been a challenge. I don’t have any grand expectations, but simply showing up will be the real success. Why Running Success Is Not About Pace As a running coaching business, we work with runners of all levels, each with their own expectations.