Natural running clinic opens gaits

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. James Ramirez
  • 47th Flying Training Wing public affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Seven-time world champion adventure racer Ian Adamson hosted a natural running clinic at Club XL here March 13 and 14.

The clinic focused on easing the transition from the common heel strike running form to a more proficient natural running form.

The clinic consisted of running drills outdoors and viewing presentations on everything from characteristics of running shoes to the physical impacts of different running styles. According to Adamson, the natural running style desired consists of mid-foot striking as well as quicker running cadence to increase effectiveness.

"Natural running is a very efficient and protective way to run as opposed to the common heel-striking form which is learned. Anyone who wants to reduce injury and maximize efficiency while running should consider switching to a natural running gait," said Adamson.

Ray Torres, 47th Medical Operations Squadron exercise physiologist, and Tech. Sgt. Michael Kearns, 47th MDOS Aerospace NCOIC of logistics, made the running clinic possible through coordination with Adamson.

"I attended [Adamson's] running clinic at Altus and I, along with everyone else that attended, thought it would be a great thing to bring to Laughlin. Whether you are training for the mile and a half run or competing in triathlons or marathons, this running style will increase your efficiency," said Torres.

Adamson echoed Torres' goals concerning the Air Force physical training test and his desire for the more than 50 clinic attendees to spread the knowledge they gained to other Airmen.

"Our goal is to teach people how to run efficiently and to help reduce their time in the PT test. We also want these people to get to the point where they can deliver this information to others," he said.

Torres commented that he hopes for a decrease in run times due to attendance at the event. He also noted the possibility of Adamson returning to Laughlin in the future to teach a course certifying attendees as natural running coaches.