83 - Ken Axford on Run Form

Welcome to Episode #83 of the Mile High Endurance podcast.  Mile High Endurance is your weekly connection to coaches, experts and pro athletes to help you reach your endurance and triathlon goals.  I'm your host Rich Soares. My loyal co hosts Khem Suthiwan and Bill Plock recorded today's show with me on Friday.  I made a mistake in saving the file and lost the recording.  I'm so sorry Khem and Bill. Please forgive me!

Our interview today is Ken Axford.  USAT Level II Coach Ken Axford comes back to re-cap transitions skills and process. Plus we'll talk about running posture and drills (yes drills) that improve your form.  We will also talk about USAT National Tri Week, the Bob Cook Classic and more.  Before we get into that interview with Ken, we get to catch up with Khem and Bill. 

Our pre interview discussion is brought to you by 303 Triathlon and 303 Cycling are your resource for news and information on triathlon and cycling in Colorado.  303Radio is your news podcast for triathlon and cycling.  Be sure to go to 303Triathlon and 303Cycling to get the latest coverage of events in Colorado.

• Thanks to last week's guest Terry Laughlin for joining us to talk about the importance of bi-lateral breathing, a convincing explanation of why it is possible and the opportunity to take your swim stroke to a new level.  If you missed it, go back to episode #82 and give it a listen.
• USAT National Tri Week

The emphasis of the week is on celebration, education and participation in the multisport lifestyle. Each day is centered around a different theme, starting with a spotlight on each discipline of triathlon:

 

Monday, July 17: Swim Day

Tuesday, July 18: Bike Day

Wednesday, July 19: Run Day

Thursday, July 20: Recovery Day

Friday, July 21: Member Appreciation Day

Saturday, July 22, and Sunday, July 23: Race Weekend

 

The complete schedule—including ideas for how to participate from just a few minutes to a full day—are available at usatriathlon.org/triweek. #TriWeek is largely a social media-based initiative, as aspiring triathletes, age-groupers and elites are all encouraged to share their multisport experiences online. Prize packs will be awarded each day to randomly selected participants who share questions, advice or inspiring stories on social media using the hashtag #TriWeek.

In addition, triathletes can submit stories of how they got started in the sport by using #WhyDoYouTri and #TriWeek on social media or by emailing [e-mail]. On Member Appreciation Day, USA Triathlon Staff will select one of the #WhyDoYouTri participants to receive a USA Triathlon Lifetime Membership.

The week culminates with Race Weekend on Saturday and Sunday, in which first-timers and experienced triathletes alike are encouraged to complete a race, register for their next event, or simply volunteer to staff an on-course aid station. The fourth weekend of July typically boasts one of the highest participation rates in multisport events across the country, with more than 160 USA Triathlon-sanctioned races taking place this year, including 55 youth races. Click here to find a race near you this weekend.

• Speaking of Tri Week Race Weekend, I’m racing and covering Tri Boulder Sunday
• Bob Cook and the 303Cycling story
• 303 Triathlon interview with Sarah Hartman

Health IQ offers low cost life insurance for the those living a health conscious lifestyle.  The folks at Health IQ used science & data to secure special rates on life insurance for triathletes, cyclists, runners, swimmers, etc.  Get a quote now at HealthIQ.com/milehighendurance, or go the MHE Sponsor page and click the link to Health IQ and it will take you to the right place.

Let's get into the interview with Ken Axford.

It's so interesting that you can continue to get insights into running form.  What I find so exciting is that by talking to Ken, I truly did get a better understanding of preloading, knee drive and the importance of the shoulders and arms. 

I spoke of my use of high knees.  I think it comes from my mental model of chi running which takes a completely different perspective when it comes to ground contact.

• Chi Running and ground contact
• Transitions and transition clinic

 Let's talk briefly about upcoming interviews.

• Barry Siff
• Will Murray

 Please support the brands that support the show and our listeners.

• I know some of you have used the Total Immersion discount code and have taken advantage of the Total Immersions self-coaching programs.  If you have not, let me tell you about what you get:
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Check out each of these supporters, the discounts they give our listeners and the discount codes on the MHE Discounts page.

That's it for the show.  Good luck to all of the athletes racing this weekend here in Colorado or wherever you race!  Stay tuned, stay informed, and enjoy the endurance journey!