06/03/2026
Most runners have heard about the importance of the pull phase.
But what sets up an effective pull phase is what happens right before it. 👣
One cue I often use with runners is:
“Imagine you’re scraping gum off the bottom of your shoe.”
As your foot moves underneath your body, think about pressing the ground backward before transitioning into the pull.
Why?
✅ Reduces overuse of the muscles on the front of the shin
✅ Helps create more forward-directed force
✅ Improves running efficiency
✅ Sets up a stronger, smoother pull phase
The goal isn’t to keep pushing longer.
The goal is to create a quick, efficient push into the ground that naturally transitions into the pull.
Think:
❌ Reach → Pull
Instead:
✅ Press → Pull
That subtle difference can help you run faster, waste less energy, and put less stress on your lower legs.
If your shins are always tight, you’re battling recurring shin splints, or your running feels harder than it should, your mechanics may be part of the problem.
Sometimes the smallest cues create the biggest changes. 🎯
