CC running form comparison photo
By Dirty Toes Joe
My son's coach snapped this picture at a cross country meet yesterday. My son (in the sunglasses) and his teammate next to him are freshmen and are the fastest on the team this year. They're usually within 30 seconds of each other, and who's faster is usually a toss up. I thought it was a great comparison of form, as far as landing goes.
My son has been running exclusively in xeroshoes sandals (not allowed for meets) or the xeroshoes speed force shoes he's wearing in this photo. We're hoping to get him some spikes this weekend - the kid next to him beat him by 30ish seconds - pulled ahead in some sand and he couldn't make it up. 3 miles in just over 18 minutes - he's pretty sure he could break into the 17s with a tiny bit more traction.
Although this picture doesn't really show it, there is usually a huge difference in running form between the two of them. The other kid frequently looks like he's in pain, grimmacing with his head cocked to the side and his shoulders hunched up. He definately puts his whole heart into it. My son is usually much more relaxed, with a look of quiet determination. The other kid has been complaining about his knees hurting, constantly, which started during summer practice. My son just had sore knees for the first time after yesterday's race, but it went away within a few hours.
I'd welcome any other critiques on his form, which is difficult based on one picture. If it's actually bad, let me know.