PowerCranks and Running
Running fast requires both good running form and lots of practice. It also requires avoiding injury. As regards running form, most people have never had anyone explain to them what good running form involves and, even if they understand this, they don't know how to effectively change their form to something close to the ideal? Then, the "lots of practice" issue has its own problems because, as the mileage goes up the stress on the body goes up and most elite runner's are always on the edge of serious injury. The reason good running form is so important is it reduces the stress on the body at any given speed. So, getting faster also involves both improveing form and avoiding injury and the two of these go hand in hand. PowerCranks can help with both of these issues.
First, lets talk about the changing to an improved form. Just because you know what "perfect" form is doesn't mean you can achieve it simply by thinking about form when you run. The reason this is so difficult is explained here by Rober Krulwich of NPR. It is almost impossible to improve coordination by thinking about it. However, if one can avoid the thinking and get the feedback to occur at the spinal cord level then we are talking turkey. That is what PowerCranks does. We have made a video that tries to explain what is good running form and how the PowerCranks help achieve that.
And, how do the PowerCranks help avoid injury. Well, besides improving your running form you are also doing so without any impact. So, one can increase the intensity of one's workouts without increasing the pounding on the joints or any risk of "twisting" an ankle. Plus, many non-contact injuries are associated with muscle imbalances. The independent nature of the the PowerCranks ensures the the muscles become balanced, both right/left and fore/aft reducing the risk of injuries like hamstring or groin
pulls".
And, if the runner is already injured, PowerCranks is a great rehab tool, allowing them to maintain good muscle endurance and running mechanics even if they are not able to run.
The typical triathlete PowerCranks runner is gaining about 1 minute per mile in speed within about 3 months of regular use.
In summary, the secret to running faster, beyond normal improvement that comes from running more and harder (training effect), is specific training that improves running form, specific training that improves running efficiency, specific training that trains muscle weaknesses and ensures balance, and specific training that helps avoid injury. And, if the athlete is injured, specific rehabilitation training that helps ensure rapid recovery from that injury while not losing any running fitness. PowerCranks can help with all of the above.
Check out some of our video testimonials for running and rehab to better understand what the potential might be for you.
Want to learn more? Go to a page directed to your specific interest: sprinting, middle distance, or distance running or to our home page to see all PowerCranks can do.