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EP 019 || The Science of Speed: Unpacking Ground Contact Time in Running

Season #1

In today’s episode, we delve into the crucial yet often overlooked aspect of running mechanics known as ground contact time (GCT). Explore how this component of running can greatly influence performance, efficiency, and injury prevention.

Skip the banter and jump right into the conversation at minute 5:15. 

Episode Highlights:

  1. Understanding Ground Contact Time
    • What is GCT, and why is it essential in running?
    • What does GCT indicate about runners of different levels
  2. Measurement Techniques
    • Exploring Stryd Power meters to measure GCT.
    • How both professional and amateur runners can use this data.
  3. GCT and Performance
    • Insights into how GCT impacts speed and efficiency.
    • Connections between stride length, cadence, and GCT.
  4. Injury Prevention
    • How focusing on GCT can help avoid running-related injuries.
  5. Training Techniques
    • Practical advice on training to enhance GCT.
    • The right way to go about decreasing GCT
    • See the drill Matt mentions at the youtube video here https://youtu.be/hOt3z_I5pRA?t=1076

Whether you're a beginner looking to establish solid fundamentals or an experienced athlete aiming for peak performance, this episode is a must-listen for all running enthusiasts.

If you're interested in enrolling in RunFORM for access to all of these movements, you can do so here: https://www.pendolaproject.com/offers/NsNFzL5h/checkout

This episode is part of the introduction to run form series which moves up the chain sharing what optimal mechanics look like for each part of the body when running.

Bobby McGee, your host, is one of the world’s greatest running coaches and has been coaching endurance athletes for 32 years. He is a 5 time Olympic coach, and has been involved in some form with 9 Olympic medalists.

He says, there are three very important aspects of endurance training;

  1. Firstly, address your running mechanics. Teach yourself to run effectively and to avoid injuries in order to run at your optimum level.
  2. Secondly, look at how you train. What is it about your training that’s holding you back? Is there a way that you can train better?
  3. Lastly, address the mental blocks that hold you back. How can you unleash the power of your mind to get you to race effectively?

Matt Pendola has decades of experience helping runners build strength and get ahead of their injury cycles. He’s worked with some of the world’s greatest elite athletes including Olympic and World Champion medalists Kevin McDowell and Ben Kanute, to name a few.

He also has a handful of impressive personal achievements as an athlete, including winning the Elite Spartan World Championships Masters Division (2015) & qualifying for Duathlon World Championships 3 times.

These two world class coaches come together in today's episode to help you run better, run longer, and run injury free.

This podcast and more can be found on the Pendola Project Youtube channel. You can subscribe there for more detailed videos on Run Form and training. https://www.youtube.com/@PendolaTraining

Also, take advantage of our totally free Movement Improvement Assessment where you can get your own Personal Protocol for your running here:

https://www.pendolaproject.com/#section-1612224878497

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Thanks for listening!