Technique Evaluation for Cyclists and Runners

ETA Coach has always felt that if a certain training method is not supported by science then why pursue it? When it comes to technique in cycling and running the implied impression in current periodical articles, books, and online resources is that we are doing it all wrong! Here at ETA Coach we are not firm believers that there is an ideal technique for both running and cycling. We do believe that there are certain times that technique should be looked at and in rare cases can be slightly alerted, by professionals, in a lab, that have backgrounds in sport medicine and biomechanics. Most of the time when an athlete looks to improve his or her technique in cycling and running it’s to prevent injury or improve performance. We know first hand through science that there is no ideal cycling or running technique that will improve performance. Maybe in the future there will be studies to disprove this, but right now there are none! There have been some studies to show that altering running form can offset chronic injuries, but I must reiterate the fact these studies were done in a lab with athletes that had chronic injuries.

Dr Ross Tucker said, “I honestly don't believe that running technique, at least in the form that it's been ‘packaged’ and then sold to runners, has a great deal of, importance for injuries. I'd go with the theory that if a runner is injured, look first at training, second at training, third at training, fourth at strength and flexibility imbalances, and fifth at training. Maybe at number six, you can consider running technique”.

Most sport medicine professionals will agree that most soft tissue injury is normally due to the athlete progressing their training too fast. That’s why at ETA Coach coaching athletes in a systematic and progressive manner has not only improved countless athletes’ performance, but also kept them injury free with out altering technique. It’s encouraged that athletes looking for running technique or cycling technique evaluations contact Head Coach Jason Kilderry to see what would be the best approach for them.

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