Yesterday I was able to meet with Dr. Peter Weyand of Rice University. It was really interesting getting to talk to him directly rather that depending on someone else’s interpretation of his ideas. After talking to him it was clear me that he and Ralph Mann were essentially saying the same thing in regard the importance of ground contact time. He also clarified his position on running technique modification; his opinion is that it can’t be significantly changed. I certainly understand where he is coming from, but I am not sure I agree. He made a couple of real key point regarding two myths that keep being passed around. First, the undue emphasis on dorsifelxion of the ankle, there is no basis in biomechanics for this. The ankle dorsiflexion occurs because of what happens at ground contact. Everything happened too fast to be able to think about this. Personally this was a vindication because I feel like I have a voice crying out in the dark on this one. Take home point on this one forget cueing all the stuff on dorsiflexion. The other one was in regard this idea of pawing. It does not occur; you can’t do it, so forget it. I am looking forward to further dialogue with Dr. Weyand. He is a very gracious individual, willing to share his ideas with coaches. This is the kind of sport scientist we need more of.
