It's been interesting for me to see how many times I've been derided for my "theories" regarding faster running.

Before we get going, let's take a look at one meaning of the adjective "theoretical":

"Concerned primarily with theories or hypothesis rather than practical consideration."

Those who know me know that I am more interested in practical application and consideration than theories or hypothesis. 

What are the sprint training "theories" prevalent today? Over the next few posts to this blog, I'll present some of them along with my own comments.  Keep in mind that these are not my theories but are representative of what the gurus of the speed world claim they are able to train.

Let's start with a theory proposed by one of the younger technique gurus.  His theory suggests that a runner can be taught to align with the proper force vector while running at high speed, thus optimizing their performance.

Personally, I'm not sure what a running vector looks like at any speed, let alone how one would align with it!

If this theory were correct it would be wonderful, but is it even possible?

Let's take a closer look. Suppose our sprinter-in-training was moving along at a quick 12 plus meters per second.  This speedster would be approaching 28 miles per hour at top speed. To get a true sense of what those technique gurus suggest, have someone drive a car at 28 mph with you in the passenger seat. Now stick your head out the window.  As you feel the effects of the wind in your face at that speed, find a good landing area (as if you were a sprinter) a few meters in front of the vehicle.  Immediately decide which angle of attack you should use in order to provide the proper vector to hit the spot that will maximize performance.  I used the term "immediately" because you only have a fraction of a second to make your decision (remember that you're traveling at more than 12 m per second so that the stride length of 3 m would allow only 1/4 of a second for you to find your landing spot and the appropriate vector before you get to it!).

Even if it were possible to do what was suggested above, there are other problems with this theory.  Here are a few:

1.  Runners are instructed to look forward not down, so how would they be able to select the proper vector by looking at the finish line?  

2.  How would you train yourself to see anything at that rate of speed without running at that rate of speed?  

3.  If you cannot run at that rate of speed, how would you recognize the proper vector for that rate of speed?

4.  How could your coach tell you what your proper vector is when you cannot see it yourself?

5.  Is it possible that this part of overall running mechanics is not necessarily trainable?  Or is it unnecessary to train?

It turns out that number 5 is the most critical factor in denouncing the theory.

In their study, "The Independent Effects of Gravity And Inertia on Running Mechanics," Young-Hui Chang, et al. stated, "despite a nearly threefold change in the magnitude of the result in force vector generated across three different experimental treatments and 10 conditions, the orientation of the resultant force vectors at corresponding instants remained nearly constant during times of high force generation.  We suggest that the resultant force vector at these corresponding times of the step cycle remained nearly constant across the different trials to maintain the alignment with the leg.  During legged locomotion, this alignment may be a universal mechanism for running animals to minimize net muscle moments about each joint and, therefore, muscle forces.

We compared normal running with three different experimental treatments: Running with additional gravitational and inertial forces, running with only additional inertial forces and running with only reduced gravitational forces."

In other words, each of the runners involved in the experiment adapted to the differing conditions of changes in gravity and inertia without coaching.  In fact, the researchers believe this to be a universal mechanism for all running animals!  As you are well aware, dear reader, most of the other animals do not have the privilege of having their own coach.

My point?

Runners do align with their vector. But...

The foregoing makes it perfectly clear that it's not necessary for someone to coach the runner into selecting the proper vector. The runner is capable of doing that by himself, even in adverse conditions! So is the rest of the animal kingdom. 

So- the next time your favorite coach tries to introduce you to some fancy new vector-alignment drills, show your knowledge of your own personal favorite vector by runnning away as fast as you can!

Check back for the next "Theory" smack-down!