Save Energy and Improve Running Efficiency: The Art of Keeping Your Feet Close to the Ground

TLDRKeeping your feet close to the ground while running can save energy and improve efficiency. Lifting your feet and knees too high costs more energy. Relaxation and letting your foot dangle naturally is the key. High cadence also contributes to lower energy expenditure.

Key insights

💡Keeping your feet close to the ground while running saves energy and improves efficiency.

Lifting your feet and knees higher requires more energy, similar to lifting your arm.

🔬The physics of pendulum motion explains that shorter pendulums or levers require less energy to move.

💪A slightly higher foot contributes to better knee drive and utilization of the stretch-shortening cycle.

🏃Relaxation and allowing the foot to swing up naturally are key to conserving energy when running.

Q&A

Does lifting your feet and knees higher help in running?

No, lifting your feet and knees higher requires more energy. Keeping them close to the ground saves energy and improves efficiency.

What is the role of relaxation in running?

Relaxation is crucial in running. Allowing your foot to naturally swing up saves energy and improves efficiency.

Does a higher cadence contribute to lower energy expenditure?

Yes, a higher cadence can contribute to lower energy expenditure by moving the legs faster and in a bigger movement.

Why do many recreational runners have their feet too close to the ground?

Many recreational runners have their feet too close to the ground due to using thigh muscles to prevent movement or a lack of relaxation.

What factors should be considered in foot and knee height during running?

The foot and knee height during running depends on the pace. The faster the pace, the higher the foot and knee movement.

Timestamped Summary

00:01Keeping feet close to the ground while running saves energy.

01:18Shorter pendulums or levers require less energy to move.

02:57Relaxation and letting the foot swing up naturally conserve energy.

05:40Moving feet closer to the ground requires more energy.

07:15Foot and knee height depends on running pace.