Quote Originally Posted by Crankin View Post
What's the "main idea" of evolution running? Frankly, I have found it difficult to follow the instructions in any running book. The Chi running didn't work for me at all. I can't think that much when I am exercising... same thing with riding, but I seem to have problems motivating myself when it seems like "homework."
It's all about running more efficiently--they go into how the reason the African runners kick so much butt in distance running has nothing to do with any special physiological adaptations (they don't appear to be any different, on average, from anyone else in these areas) and everything to do with the efficient running style that they have developed because they grow up running barefoot. In the DVD, they break running form down into its different components (such as propulsion, cadence, foot strike, hill running etc.) and clearly show how an efficient runner accomplishes each. There are drills to reinforce the concepts and it is suggested that you do the drills before each run while learning the new form. They do not suggest you run barefoot (though I think doing so, or running in minimalist shoes, makes it easier to get the technique right and also feel if you are doing things wrong). Here are some of the major points: most of the muscle action for propulsion should come from the hips (glutes) and not the quads or hamstrings, a forefoot strike using the elasticity of the feet and calves is best as opposed to a heel or even midfoot strike, the foot should land directly under your center of mass (or slightly BEHIND when going downhill, to use gravity instead of fighting it--that's why downhills are really scary for me right now, I am not used to going so fast and it feels out of control!), and the optimal cadence is 180 steps per minute (they suggest using a metronome to help establish the rhythm). As for finding it difficult to follow the instructions from a book, I have had this problem at times when it comes to running and that is why I thought this DVD would be helpful--I am finding it to be very good especially since they demonstrate all the drills.