5 Key Insights from Elliot Kipchoge's Running Form

TLDRLearn from Elliot Kipchoge's running form to become a better runner. Focus on footstrike, stride length, cadence, upper body carriage, and relaxation.

Key insights

🏃‍♂️Kipchoge uses a light mid-foot strike to maximize elastic return and maintain contact time nice and short.

🦵He maintains an optimal stride length without overstriding, ensuring that his foot lands underneath his center of mass.

⏱️Kipchoge maintains a high cadence of around 188 steps per minute, allowing him to run efficiently without overstriding.

💪His upper body carriage involves a relaxed rotation of the torso, which helps with energy transfer and efficient running.

😌Kipchoge's relaxed and smooth running form allows him to maintain a fast pace without fighting against his own body.

Q&A

What is Elliot Kipchoge's footstrike?

Kipchoge uses a light mid-foot strike, landing with the balls of his feet to maximize elastic return and maintain short contact time.

How does Kipchoge maintain stride length?

He ensures that his stride length is optimal by not overstriding, landing his foot underneath his center of mass.

What is the importance of cadence in running?

A high cadence helps runners maintain an efficient and balanced stride, minimizing the risk of overstriding and reducing impact on the joints.

How does upper body carriage affect running form?

A relaxed rotation of the torso helps with energy transfer and efficient running, allowing the body to store and release potential energy with each stride.

Why is relaxation important in running?

Being relaxed while running allows for a more efficient and smooth stride, helping runners maintain a fast pace without unnecessary tension and fatigue.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Elliot Kipchoge recently broke the two-hour marathon barrier, and we can learn a lot from his running form.

02:55Kipchoge's footstrike involves a light mid-foot strike, allowing for maximum elastic return and short contact time.

04:38He maintains an optimal stride length by landing his foot underneath his center of mass, avoiding overstriding.

06:00A high cadence of around 188 steps per minute helps Kipchoge maintain an efficient and balanced stride.

08:54Kipchoge's upper body carriage involves a relaxed rotation of the torso, aiding in energy transfer and efficient running.

10:40Being relaxed while running allows Kipchoge to maintain a fast pace without unnecessary tension and fatigue.