Craig Alexander & Chris Lieto - Running Technique Analysis by Kinetic Revolution

James Dunne from Kinetic Revolution provides a running technique video analysis, identifying the key technique factors which enable Craig "Crowie" Alexander to remain strong and effective on the Ironman marathon. Using Chris Lieto as a real-time comparison.

For more information visit http://www.kinetic-revolution.com/craig-alexander-running-analysis

Footage from Kona 2009.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• running
• triathlon
• ironman
• technique
• chris lieto
• craig alexander
• crowie
• james dunne
• kinetic revolution.

[pmswanepoel]

How much do you think (simple) fatigue had to do with the differences in their biomechanics (late in the race etc etc)? If they were both fresh would they not be much more similar? Great post, love this stuff. Keep 'em coming

[RunningRevolution]

@pmswanepoel Fatigue has a massive part to play for sure. I'd suggest that they would indeed probably look very similar if they were both fresh.

Especially in an event such as Ironman, the important factor is to ask how far you can push the body into a fatigued state before the technique fails.

There are two factors which work together to determine the ability to maintain this good form:

1. The quality and reinforcement of the neuromuscular motor program

2. Local muscle endurance

[JoshuaHickey]

I enjoyed your analysis James. Technique is an important dimension of our sport so personally, I do a lot of technique drills in training and think about gate & running mechanics when I watch others race. Question, what software do you use, I would be interested using it to assess my own run.

[RunningRevolution]

@JoshuaHickey Thanks for the comment! I use ObjectusVideo on the Mac. If you're a PC user you might want to check out Kinovea as a good free option.

I'd definitely recommend getting this sort of video feedback on your running gait pattern, particularly once under fatigue... it's amazing how differently often run in reality compared to how good it "looks" in out heads!

[stephjlowe1]

Great analysis. "Heel to butt + knee lift" may not always be easy, but the decreased load through the quads is noticeable straight away. Like anything, it's practice. Creating a new movement pattern takes time. What do you think about their arm positioning?

[OG1972AUS]

Too long winded.

Leiti. Drive Forward AND Tall from the hips. Eliminate the 'floppy/weak' wrist action in favour of a more dynamic 'drummer' action. Relax more at the ankles. Of course none of this will help if he is not running enough kilometres annually AND running them all technically correct so he does not collapse at the waist as he is in this video.

Craig Alexander could also improve if he was more relaxed at the ankles in the flight phase of the run.

OG1972AUS

[pmswanepoel]

@RunningRevolution seems to me that (certainly in this case) it would make sense for Lieto to adopt a more cautious approach on the bike, although I suppose he 'only' had 8k/5m to 'last'. One-day I'm pretty sure he'll 'hold it' -but on the basis of his 2011 performance that day might be a while off.?