What are gliders?
Many of us incorporate gliders into our runs without even realizing it. When you run down a hill, using the momentum of the last few yards to relax while keeping the same speed for a few steps, youre gliding. With practice you can stretch the distance of this glide, riding the wave of momentum farther and farther. You can even learn to adapt this technique to flat ground. Why do they work? Muscles fatigue more rapidly when you constantly run the same way, even at a slow pace. Gliding alternates the way your running muscles are used, giving them a chance to recharge. By making slight changes in stride, posture, and foot placement, youll use gravity and momentum while conserving energy. How do you do them? To glide, you must relax the leg muscles by slightly shortening your stride length. By running lightly and staying low to the ground (i.e. not “bouncing”), youll increase turnover while reducing effort. Youll also slow down slightly, but practice will minimize this effect. Try gliding
