HOW TO LEARN THE POSE METHOD OF RUNNING - Part I

Despite many discussions of this topic before, it comes back to the forum again and again accompanied by questions which require better and more detailed explanations about the process of learning. How to avoid some problems at the beginning of exploration of the Pose Method? How to make this process more efficient and pass quicker to the highest level of performance?

It is necessary to remind you that the Pose Method was developed as a biomechanical model of running and the way to teach it. The conceptual base of the model states that running is the skill of using the natural force of gravity as a major propulsive force and treats the rest of the forces as assisting gravity. For this matter, the Running Pose, which is the vertical body position on the ground on one foot or mid-stance, is the most efficient position which meets the requirements of using gravity and the other forces as an integrated system.

What we have to learn in the Pose Method is that running is a skill. Then, we proceed that it is the skill of using different forces to suit gravity. From this point of view, the formula of running is very simple: Pose-Fall-Pull, where the Pose is an integral element, position, from which gravity starts working as a propulsive force and the Pull connects one fall with another.

So in order to move forward we need to fall forward and there is only one position which suits this requirement - Pose. After the fall happens, we need to change the support in order to be in the next fall position, or the next Pose. But for this matter we have to pull the support foot from the ground, while we fall forward from the previous support. So the cycle is repeated again and again. Pose - Fall - Pull.

What is difficult to learn in this cycle is, that all three elements are based on our perception. There are no precise angles or time of falling and pulling, no scale of muscle efforts, but only our perception of it. So how can we operate with these elements? - Only through our perception and precise action.

As we know, perception operates with differences. We perceive something, if we can feel the difference. Leonardo da Vinci said once that: "All our knowledge is coming to us through our perception". So in order to do something in space, and time and in exact efforts, we need to develop the highest possible level of perception, or the ability to feel the difference.

Thus our efforts in learning come to the point of developing very sophisticated feelings about specific elements of running: Pose-Fall-Pull.

Part II - Next Week!

Dr.Romanov