Correcting a common training issue early in the season may prevent an unnecessary injury as we increase our mileage in the coming weeks. Step one is to listen to your feet during training. If you DO NOT hear your footsteps, fantastic! If you hear your footsteps, then you are a stomper!

Simple physics dictate that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. An athlete who stomps their feet when training releases energy into a hard surface, which results in an equal force being sent back up their leg often resulting in injuries.

How do you correct this potential problem? You need to learn to pick up your feet quickly with the goal of not hearing them, and/or landing softly on your feet. Think of your training like landing on egg shells.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at “LARR-Coach’s Corner” on Facebook or by email at Mark@mccourtfoundation.org

Sincerely,
Mark C. Minichiello
LARR Program Administrator
USATF & RRCA Certified Coach