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Dalibor SmažinkaTriathlon coach

Discipline 03 / 03

Running

How to run efficiently?

Runner on the run leg of a triathlon race

Natural, automatic, economical.

  • A running style fitted to your body, not a template
  • Finding your stride off the bike, through T2

Running is one of the most natural human movements. Science and common sense both suggest we humans are built for endurance running. Everyone has different predispositions for endurance sports, but endurance is one of the most trainable physical abilities, unlike speed, which is largely innate. It can be developed well into your fifties and maintained at a good level beyond that.

The goal of learning running technique is to make the movement natural again: automatic and as economical as possible. A running style works well when every movement in the stride respects biomechanics as well as the runner's own functional and physical make-up. The best form is always a compromise between the laws of movement and the individual.

When your current maximum is achieved with minimal effort and the least possible wear on your body, we can speak of an efficient, economical run.

Triathlon adds one more thing: you start running already tired, after swimming and cycling. After the bike and the second transition, it's important to find your optimal running pattern quickly while respecting your fatigue. Your running style reflects not only your body, but also mental resilience and the ability to stay relaxed and coordinated deep into the race.