262. Reverse Engineering Efficient Running Form with Matt Minard DPT, CSCS

Running form is a hot topic that can often confuse runners. This week’s guest offers actionable advice to help you discover your own best form to improve your running and stay healthy.

Dr. Matt Minard runs the popular Learn 2 Run account on Instagram to help runners stay healthy, strong and improve their running technique. He is a physical therapist, orthopedic clinical specialist, and certified strength and conditioning specialist. 

Matt’s experience with physical therapy as a high school athlete helped him discover a love for the profession, and as both a runner and physical therapist he is dedicated to helping athletes stay healthy and strong.

Matt and I explore a variety of topics related to form to give you practical advice you can apply to your own running, including:

• Matt’s general philosophy on running form
• How a tennis ball necklace might help you improve your technique
• The complexities of posture and how to improve it
• What makes a GOOD forward lean in running
• How to run without jumping
• The most helpful cues for runners working on their form

This conversation is full of practical advice you can apply immediately to your own running - enjoy!

Links & Resources from the Show:

• Follow Learn 2 Run on Instagram
• Learn more about Matt on LinkedIn
• DIY tennis ball necklace
• Ankle Screen
• Hip Screen
• How to film your form outside
• Don't miss out on my favorite form cues to reinforce proper technique!

Thank you Ice Barrel!

Ice Barrel makes at-home barrels you can use for ice baths that don’t take up an entire room. And they’re lightweight enough that even I can carry it without help. There’s an easy drain system and it’s made in the United States from 100% recycled material.

Cryotherapy has been shown to improve mood, reduce anxiety, and reduce inflammation. It can reduce pain and blood flow to jump start the recovery process. Cold plunges are great for when you need extra recovery, like if you accidentally ran a lot longer or faster than planned. 

But the real reason I love a good cold plunge is because of the profound mental benefits. It’s been shown to reduce depression and anxiety, improve mood and brain function, and even 5 minutes gives you a great shot of dopamine afterward. If you can sit in an ice bath up to your shoulders, you won't have any mental issues with racing a negative split and finishing strong!

Go to IceBarrel.com and use discount code strengthrunning for $125 off your barrel.

Thank you Ωmega Sports!

Are you looking for a running store that has decades of experience?

OMEGA SPORTS has more than four decades of running specific experience helping customers run more, move more, play more and live more. Go to omegasports.com and make sure to sign up for their faster mega rewards where you get $5 rewards on every $50 you spend and a huge 10% savings that you can use for all of your running gear.

At OMEGA SPORTS, your savings are faster and go further - just like you. Learn more about them and see their wide selection at omegasports.com.