RYQA am I built to be a runner
Q: I’m looking to improve my running time. I really enjoy running but am not fast. Its been a while since I have ran but have a desire to run a half marathon in May of 2012 . I ran it last year with a time of 3:02 and am looking to greatly improve this. Is this something you can possibly help with? Also, are some people not built to be runners? I’m wondering if that’s me. ~ Becky P.
A: Great question, many people wonder if they are not meant to be a runner.
Humans have an innate ability to run. It is our bi-pedal destiny. Look at or hunter and gatherer ancestors, we are genetically built to be runners. As we became a civilized society we became a sedentary society and our muscles are used comparatively less. Muscles needed for running are recruited less and for some not recruited at all and other muscles are engaged instead, requiring more effort by the runner to get the job done.
Correct form makes running easier when the body moves the way it was built to move. Full hip rotation coordinated with correct upper body movement creates an energy that helps propel the body forward. However, the hip and back muscles needed to run efficiently are often tight and weak. Exercises and stretching are needed to get these muscles strong and active again. Nerve communication needs to be established again so the muscles are recruited to do the job they were put there to do – run.
So in answer to your other question on improving time – when the correct muscles are used in running you will automatically get faster without having to think about speed workouts. The body will move more efficiently and effectively and you will get faster with less effort.
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