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[mat tippett]

I was talking with a running coach a few weeks ago and he mentioned that most Triathletes run using their Quadriceps not their Gluteus. I started thinking about this more and I agree…We as Triathletes use our legs more when we run because we are conditioned to contract these muscles more because of cycling. The question then becomes does running using your Quads as the “prime mover” effect your overall run speed. The answer is obliviously yes…do you run recruiting from your bum, or do your run recruiting from your legs?

Can you make small changes in your training program to assist transition?

Opinions and thoughts?

Mat.

[james duncan]

I find when I try to run using my bum I feel my glutes fatigue quite fast and I feel the effect in tightness and soreness after. This would indicate a lack of recruitment in my usual runnign style.

I also get the feeling that tight hip flexors hinder my ability to make best use of the pushback phase of my stride.

I think a focus on improved recruitment and strength in my glutes and improved flexibility in my hip flexors would be a good plan.

Every run session I do I try to focus for some of the session on the different parts of my stride.

J.
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[Megs]

Hi there,

I tend to allocate a block of time in each running session where I really emphasise the kick up to the glutes. I have started this slowly as it is hard to begin with and as James has stated - your glutes do tire (when new to this technique). I have found that I do now move forward at a faster pace when using this technique correctly.
I incorporate 100m run throughs where each stride has contact with the glute (to again emphasise the kick up).
Squats, frog leaps and also leg raises on your side with your leg bent on a 45 degree angle keeping the feet touching but raising the knee this focuses on strengthening the glute also.

Any other ideas would be helpful!

Cheers
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Megs