Ep 38- A Wholistic ‘Top-down’ approach to running mechanics - with ‘The Balanced Runner’.

Today on the Run Culture Podcast I had the privilege to chat to Rene Wormhoudt, the Dutch national soccer team strength and conditioning coach and a physical therapist. Rene is also one of the founders of; ‘The Athletic Skill Model’, a model designed to create more ‘adaptive/creative/versatile athletes’. If you are a therapist, coach or athlete trying to improve performance, reduce injury or make training fun this is a great listen for you! The idea that participating in seemingly unrelated sports can emergently help your target sport's co-ordinative abilities and versatility, is a complex concept to comprehend in our linear modern world dominated by reductionistic science. However, the athletics skill model and Rene Wormhoudt shed light on the immense benefits of incorporating such routines. Embracing variability in training can enhance coordination and unlock potential in various physical activities. #FarTransfer #CoordinativeAbilities For those interested in finding out more about the #AthleticsSkillModel please go to: www.athleticskillsmodel.nl and/or purchase the book.

I first came across Callum Jones only recently when I was trying to find out more about the ‘Norwegian double threshold method’ and I came across his and Gavin Smith fantastic podcast called ‘Conversations About Running.’ Callum Jones is a competitive runner himself over 1500m to 10km and also a coach at; ‘Train Smarter, Run Faster’ with famed Kenyan Coach, Hugo Van den Broek (who he has studied extensively under). He’s also the head of marketing and a coach at ‘Running Trips’ a company that does training camps in Kenya. He has a girlfriend from Norway, so has spent a considerable amount of time in Norway trialing the Norwegian Double Threshold Method. He lives in Cornwall and runs for the Bristol track club. Last year, Callum travelled to Sierra Nevada and trained with the Norwegian Athletics Federation with athletes like, Simen Halle Haugen, Narve Gilje Nordas and Hendrik Ingebrigtsen. He’s a fantastic resource of running and coaching knowledge. It was fantastic talking to him today about the Norwegian double threshold method, and what training is like in Kenya, as well as his personal experiences with running himself. I hope you enjoy this chat, I certainly enjoyed hearing about how different cultures tend to train.

Just had an inspiring chat with Matthew Hansen, a talented Aussie distance runner from the Bert Squad in QLD! He's making waves on the US college circuit and has seen incredible progress recently with 'The Norwegian Double Threshold Method'. Tune in to hear what Matt has to say about this training method, his experience with overtraining, his race mentality, and his tips for aspiring athletes looking to apply for US college. Don't forget to check out his YouTube channel (@MattHanso) to follow his running journey. #RunningCommunity #Inspiration.

I just had an incredible conversation on the Run Culture podcast with Jae Gruenke, a certified Feldenkrais practitioner, former professional dancer, and running form coach of over 20yrs. We discussed the fascinating concept of Feldenkrais and how it can benefit runners. Jae shared how her dance background has influenced her coaching approach and how it can help runners move more authentically and efficiently. We also explored the idea that humans are naturally evolved to run, but our modern habits and beliefs can hinder our movement. Jae explained the difference between running drills and running lessons, emphasizing the importance of a more explorative and sensory approach to motor learning. She also shared a few of her six main principles for balanced running. Such valuable insights! Check it out! And, if you want to find out more about Jae's offerings be it blogs, videos or courses be sure to go to: https://www.balancedrunner.com/ #RunCulture #RunningForm #InjuryPrevention

🎙️ Just had a really refreshing conversation on the Run Culture Podcast with Australian Paralympic triathlete, Jack Howell! 🏊‍♂️🚴🏃‍♂️ Ranked 7th globally in his category, he's chasing his childhood dream of making it to the Paris Paralympics. 🌟 At just 19, Jack is wise beyond his years, well spoken, confident and has an awesome perspective on how to cope with adversity and maintaining balance in life. To paraphrase jack; “..be good with the people, love life, get put down and still race hard!” I hope you enjoy jacks story and you get behind this superstar! 🎧 #Paralympics #Inspiration #RunCulturePodcast. If you want to support Jack on his journey please check out this link here: https://asf.org.au/projects/jack-to-race-para-triathlon?fbclid=IwAR2sHpJxrvxVUIvkSbKycTgq8-0Y-aqYpYqHkd8mG7wnvkgn3ZjGdY52bY0_aem_AVulLSqdM3xW5VDn6VRrIyVa4B6VTuLZSYREpspTEydCEzf3N-JIyHir6950IJV5J2o

🎙️🏃‍♀️ A few weeks ago I had so much fun chatting to Helen Hall, we talked for a mind boggling 2 hours! I’m so grateful for her time! Be sure to have a pen and pad ready, as this episode is jam packed with incredible insights! 🌟 Helen is a ‘running movement’ coach, who helps runners discover more joint-friendly, joyful movement for sustainable running. 📚 Her book, "Even with Your Shoes On," offers a non-dogmatic approach to help runners connect and become more aware of their bodies and improve their movement. 💫 Helen's unique expertise combines scientific biomechanical analysis with experiential knowledge, creating a holistic approach to better running. 🌟 Tune in for some valuable insights! #RunCulturePodcast #SustainableRunning #MovementMatters Here's a link to 'the Lego Story' referenced in the chat: https://www.dropbox.com/s/6q5k9h1efdsg7w2/Pilot%20The%20LEGO%20STORY.mp4?dl=0

What can the running world learn from a coach heavily involved in equestrian and adventure sports? Tune in to the latest Run Culture podcast to find out! In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Marianne Davies, a senior coach developer with UK coaching and a PhD candidate in skill acquisition and ecological dynamics in equestrian and adventure sports. Marianne's expertise in these disciplines brings a fresh perspective to the running world. During our conversation, we delved into the difference between perfect technique and adaptive technique in running. Marianne explained how a rigid focus on perfect technique might hinder runners from adapting to different environments and challenges. Instead, she emphasized the importance of developing an adaptive technique that allows runners to adjust and respond to the ever-changing dynamics of their surroundings. We also explored the significance of the athletic skills model in running. Marianne highlighted the value of variability in training, explaining how exposing runners to a range of different conditions and demands can enhance their overall athletic skills. By incorporating diverse training stimuli, runners can become more versatile and better equipped to handle various race scenarios. If you're intrigued by Marianne's insights and passionate approach to coaching, I highly recommend checking out her beautifully written blog at 'dynamics-coaching' and her 'river tiger' podcast. Her work is truly inspiring and offers valuable perspectives for athletes in any sport. Don't miss out on this enlightening episode of the Run Culture podcast, where we delve into the world of equestrian and adventure sports with Marianne Davies. Tune in now to gain valuable knowledge and get inspired by her expertise! 🎧✨ Thanks again for an amazing chat Marianne, I am so grateful! #RunCulturePodcast #Equestrian #AdventureSports

Today on the run Culture Podcast, I chat to Paul McKinnon, ‘The Balanced Runner’. We chat about his recent trip to the US where he has helped the Nike Bowerman track club with their running technique. We then talk about his experiences over the years as a Running Technique coach. We cover many things, including: -His wholistic top-down approach to running mechanics. -The importance of comparing ‘old versus new way’, - ‘Upper leg versus lower leg’ patterned mechanics, - Why he dislikes the phrase ‘lazy gluts’, - His thoughts on ‘cadence’, - Why working on your technique can help your running potential. - the typical process of changing your technique with the ‘top down approach.’ Thanks for this unreal chat Paul, I’m sure many runners are going to find it super useful!!! Find Paul on Instagram at @thebalancedrunner

Attention all runners! Are you a runner that is purely performance orientated? Do you obsess over your GPS and strava data? Are you guilty of becoming a slave to your running program? Well, this episode is tailor-made for you. Last week, I had the honor of engaging in an unforgettable conversation with Jozef Frucek, the brilliant mind behind Fighting Monkey. I must confess, this discussion stands among my all-time favorite podcast moments. Jozef's unique creative flair and his ability to seamlessly fuse the artistic side of sport captured my heart. Throughout our dialogue, we delved deep into the challenges posed by modern Western culture, where money, efficiency, speed, numbers, measurement, and science tend to overshadow other aspects. While these factors may appear explicit and apparent, we should never overlook the immeasurable treasure of tacit knowledge. Jozef possesses an astonishing talent for articulating the intangible, abstract elements of movement. He emphasizes the necessity of diversity, variability, intuition, improvisation, communication, embodiment, rhythm, coordination, and so much more. In a society fixated on data and disconnected from our innate knowledge, Jozef's insights are nothing short of invaluable. So, whether you're eager to challenge the conventional training methods or simply curious about exploring movement in a holistic manner, this episode demands your attention. Join us now as we embark on a journey to deeply understand the profound impact Jozef Frucek and Fighting Monkey can have on your personal movement practice. Prepare yourself by lacing up your running shoes, grabbing your headphones, and diving into this transformative experience! 🏃‍♀️🎧🎙️ #RunCulturePodcast #FightingMonkey #MovementMatters #TacitKnowledge

Today on the Run Culture podcast I chat to two of the Run Culture Owl athletes I coach, Bevan Does and Pete Dutton! These two athletes have trained together all year! Their friendship and consequential growth has extended on and off the track! Both started the year wanting to ‘try new things’ and they continue to stay true to this motto! Thus, emerged the sub 70 project at the Gold Coast half marathon! A chance to independently travel and fend for themselves and explore! This chat is about the build up, the race, the experience and what exciting new things lie a head! Bevan and Pete will likely always remember the sub 70 project. Life is all about trying new things to better sculpt your sense of self and the life you’d love to lead.