None — The Popularity of Running
Running is a great form of aerobic exercise and an activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. According to Running USA, more than 43 million Americans participate in running. More than 16 million of them run on 100 days or more annually.
The two ultimate races for serious runners are the marathon and half-marathon. The marathon is 26.2 miles long. In 2009, more than 422,500 Americans finished a marathon. Slightly more men participated than women (59 percent males/41 percent females). Last year, the marathons with the most finishers were the 40th ING New York City, Bank of America (Chicago) and Boston Marathons.
The half marathon, a 13.1 mile race, is the most popular race among runners in the U.S. Running USA reports the number of runners who finished a half-marathon grew more than 130 percent between 2000 and 2009, involving 1.113 million participants last year. This race is more popular among women (57 percent females/43 percent males). The half-marathons with the most runners finishing the race in 2009 were OneAmerica 500 Festival (Indiana), Country Music (TN) and P.F. Chang's Rock ‘n' Roll (AZ).
The Pose Method® of Running
Running comes very naturally to most people. Yet, Valerie Hunt, running instructor in Austin, TX says most people don't run very efficiently. When a runner's foot lands on the ground, the impact actually causes a momentary stop in stride. Pushing off moves the body at an upward angle and it must come back down to take the next step. Hunt explains the up and down movement decreases momentum and puts stress on the joints.
Hunt teaches a special technique for running, called the Pose Method®. The Pose Method was developed by Nicholas Romanov, a Russian scientist and University Track Team Coach. He used the natural laws of physics and gravity to determine the best position of the body in space to maximize running efficiency.
The Pose Method involves three basic concepts: Pose, Fall and Pull. The basic Pose involves balancing on one leg with the knee bent and the weight of the body over the ball of the foot. When in this stance, the body forms a letter "S." Next is the fall. Instead of pushing forward, the body leans from the ankles, using gravity to naturally draw the body into a forward fall. To prevent falling onto the ground, pull, or lift up the foot using the hamstrings. Drop the other leg down, landing on the ball of the foot to form the next pose. The cycle is continually repeated.
By allowing gravity to do much of the work, the Pose Method requires less energy and leads to faster running times. Proper body stance also leads to fewer injuries. However, it's not easy to make the transition because the method is so different from the way most people learn to run.
Pose runners also wear a different type of shoe. The sole is flat, which forces the runner to land on the ball of the foot rather than the heel. This reduces the amount of shock hitting the body when the foot hits the ground.
Pose Method experts recommend starting out with a slow, short run. Once the technique becomes more natural, you can gradually pick up speed and distance. Most beginners of the Pose Method have sore calves for a week or two because the technique uses a different set of muscles. Experts say you should perform extra exercises to strengthen the hamstring, hip and calf muscles.
For information about the Pose Method®, click here.
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