Understanding Foot Movement and its Importance in Running Mechanics

My guest on the podcast this week is a coach who takes a holistic view of endurance training and considers himself a problem solver for endurance athletes. Keith Mueller is the founder of Higher Ground Athletics in Boulder, Colorado. His understanding of the details of movement patterns - including pronation and supination - will help you get a better grasp of this essential running mechanism.

Keith and I met a few months ago on a group run, and we soon found ourselves deep in discussion about performance and training theory. He has worked with an array of athletes, ranging from weekend warriors to state champion cross-country teams. Keith’s view of training is comprehensive, exposing athletes to the gamut of trainable qualities to make them better prepared for all the demands that running places on the body.

Our conversation today will help you think differently (and likely in greater depth) than ever before on pronation and supination.  We discuss:

• The relationship between pronation and supination
• Why flat feet and high arches matter less than you might think
• The important role of rotation in pronation
• Your range of motion: use it or lose it
• Whether barefoot running helps retrain your movement patterns
• How variety gives your body the ability to improve
• The importance of moving away from idea of “good” or “bad” movement patterns

Keith’s ability to communicate complicated concepts make this a podcast that all runners will enjoy and benefit from!

Links & Resources from the Show:

• Learn more about Keith and Higher Ground Athletics
• Follow Higher Ground Athletics on Instagram
• Watch more from Higher Ground Athletics on YouTube
• Need help with injury prevention?

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A big thanks to DrinkLMNT for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. They are offering a free gift with your purchase at DrinkLMNT. And this does NOT have to be your first purchase. You’ll get a sample pack with every flavor so you can try them all before deciding what you like best. 

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