Do we adequately teach running?

2015-05-03T13:44:03-04:00

After I got out (several years), I became much involved in running. As I think back, I realize how little actual instruction was given in "running theory" as opposed to just "practical application" (just going for a run).

Each of the services runs. Although the distances don't seem far, they are not small in the sports community, and usually the "undocumented" (non-PFT) distances exceed the "documented" (PFT) by a sizable margin.

When you compare this to marching or Drill, which we have VERY formalized training in (we call our basic instructors Drill Instructors & Drill Sergeants for a reason), the concept becomes almost obvious.

That said, if you were to ask your troops simple questions like:

1) How long is a pair of running shoes good for?
2) What is pronation, and why is it important?
3) Motrin or Tylonal? Which is better if you are going to go on a run? And why?

How would they do?

To draw a parallel, we would never just hand a troop a weapon and a case of ammo, and expect them to get better. We'd provide them actual training on how to get better. THEN we'd provide practical application using discussed theory.

Failure to do so, could possibly result in injury (like ankles, knees, & back) or other safety concerns (dehydration or hyponatremia). This in turn takes someone "out of the fight" in what could have essentially been a preventable incident.

I'm not saying we aren't doing it, but my experiences with military running training were "baptism by fire" as compared to our much more rigid forms of instruction.

Your thoughts appreciated.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2015 1:49 PM

2015-05-03T13:49:46-04:00

One of my junior sailors has terrible running form. She says that in boot camp, it was so bad that they sent her to a workshop for running. It did not help. I don't think the military is training their service members on the finer points of running. Most people I run into and talk to about running have no clue as to what makes a good running shoe, how to deal with shin splints, or what pronation is. It would be wise to give some training on the subject

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2015 1:55 PM

2015-05-03T13:55:27-04:00

True, it seems to be assumed that what every able-bodied kid learned about running is enough to meet the standard. It may be enough to pass a test of a short distance run, but you bring up a good point about injury prevention. Psychologically speaking, it stands to reason that a service member with less pain who is seeing improvement from a good running plan would be likely to run more often and enjoy it to a greater degree.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2015 2:03 PM

2015-05-03T14:03:12-04:00

I really enjoy running. I have pretty much learned nothing from the military. Stuff like this is not taught. I hope that it is taught in the Army's Master Fitness course but I am not sure. I have learned what I know from seeking it out myself.

Response by Cpl Andrew O'Neill made May 3 at 2015 2:57 PM

2015-05-03T14:57:59-04:00

I couldn't agree more. I also think that the PFT should not also involve stamina but also defensive fitness. Short explosive cardio and strength tests such as those in a fit or physical altercation.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2015 10:20 PM

2015-05-03T22:20:23-04:00

I remember them stressing at BMT that we need to run with a heel strike, which pretty much went against everything I'd ever read up in Runners World and other running resources online.

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS, I have a feeling that running is something we are assumed to "know" how to do properly upon enlistment/commissioning.

Response by LTC Hillary Luton made May 4 at 2015 11:04 AM

2015-05-04T11:04:54-04:00

I agree whole-heartedly. I remember as far back as basic training (I know its hard to believe I can remember that far back), we were expected to just go out and run. There was no leading up to a good run, you were just expected to do it from day one. Maybe that is why I hated running for so many years and avoided it like the plague.

After I took my last PFT last year, I just didn't feel like running anymore. Then a couple of months ago, I decided I did want to run, but for once in my life, I was going to take it slow and build up to a comfortable pace. I downloaded a Couch to 5K program and have been using it for the last 6 weeks (I'm starting week 7 today). I love this program! I think if the Army had trained me more like this program, I may have enjoyed running more.

Fortunately, I have done some research in the last few years and found I do better with minimalist shoes and bringing my stride up onto the balls of my feet instead of running heel to toe. I also find I have to focus on different things, like un-stressing my shoulders, bringing my arm stride to the side, etc. I tend to tense my shoulders because for me, running has always been stressful. I'm trying to make it enjoyable, but it takes time.

The Army tends to treat running as if it is a natural thing for everyone. In reality, it is not natural for a lot of people, and training would have benefited so many of us that avoided it for so long.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2015 1:42 PM

2015-05-04T13:42:05-04:00

Great discussion! I think you nailed it. There is no training. If you don't know how to run by now...mentality isn't working. Our troops should be getting better PT scores, not worse. Running times should continue to improve well into your 30s. I'd even wager to say that most folks don't know if they are flat footed, or have a high arch; Are supinators or pronators.

Having a history of chronic ankle sprains is indicative of needing therapy, as well as education on running, foot and ankle strength. Trying obtuse training like running forefoot and barefoot for training could be alternatives for some SM's.

I think each medical unit should have a DPT in the unit. That is a Doctor of Physical Therapy for those that don't know.

Running could easily be taught through your military career. Mandatory PPT presentations could easily be taught be some the best runners in the country instead of LT Schmucatelli.

There are gliders, bounders, gazelles, and forefoot, mid foot and heel strikers; all of which need some professional help.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2015 1:47 PM

2015-05-04T13:47:26-04:00

LTC, I was an avid runner from very young. I would sprint home for lunch, chow down and sprint back. I think I have a natural form. My daughter however struggles to get on her toes and sprint. She is in the USN now and they are working on her. But she would have easily been laizze Faire about running had I let her. She did go out for cross country and track in HS, but should have participated earlier.

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 13 at 2015 5:01 AM

2015-09-13T05:01:11-04:00

Answer to the question: no, we don't adequately teach this skill that is so central to our organization. We should and can do better. Ensuring some basic running skills and techniques are integrated into boot camp / basic training is an easy, quick win. Including running clinics and having trained running instructors at on base fitness facilities is a great second step. Great question and excellent discussion. Thanks for posting!

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 13 at 2015 8:36 AM

2015-09-13T08:36:15-04:00

What a topic!

I loathed running for decades. It took me having a series of abdominal surgeries at the age of 45 to see that 1. Running isn't as terrible as I thought, 2. It's actually therapeutic for me, and 3. I feel much better when I do it.

It started when I was recovering from surgery #2 (out of 4). I went out for a run and, instead of taking a left, I took a right. What was supposed to be 3 miles became just shy of 6. I was hooked. BUT, and maybe it was because of my mentality, I started doing research on form, injury prevention, nutrition, and so on. I had to learn that. On my own. I asked our unit Master Fitness Trainer and he had no idea how to coach someone who wanted to run distance. Some time later, I was asked to coach a soldier in our unit who has a lot of struggles with running. That soldier who either passed the 2MR by seconds or failed by minutes. I developed a plan and the soldier's NCO took responsibility for implementation. I left before it really played out, so I'm not sure where it went.

So no, we don't teach the basics. While I'm not sure I'd compare it to marksmanship, it is important. Perhaps running theory and mechanics should be implemented into the MFT program (for the Army).

And for the record, I've done a lot of running in the past few years, and couldn't reply intelligently to, "What is pronation and why is it important?" haha

V/r
Kevin

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2016 8:58 AM

2016-04-06T08:58:56-04:00

I'm pretty sure this thread is applicable to the other parts of PT, especially things that are on the PT tests. Push-ups, for example: I've been associated with the U.S. Army for 20 years, and I've still not had any training on how to do a pushup correctly (sure, I've been instructed on how to do a pushup, through the mandatory reading of the paragraph that is read at every PT test, but never had any Army training on how to actually do a pushup correctly). I've learned on my own--with the help of programs like P90X, the two dozen or so things that are important when doing pushups. Same for situps.