Ep 374: Expert Edition: The Balanced Runner - Improve your running with Paul Mackinnon
Running technique coach Paul Mackinnon (The Balanced Runner) unpacks why most runners "force outcomes" (cadence, foot strike, knee drive) instead of changing the inputs that actually reshape movement. Paul explains his top-down approach—starting at the arms and torso to influence what happens below—so athletes can reduce ground contact time, improve rhythm, and shift along the continuum from rehab to performance. Across an engaging conversation in episode 374 of The Physical Performance Show, with hosts Brad Beer and Huw Darnell, Paul challenges the idea that "technique doesn't matter," arguing that how you move determines how you load. He distinguishes economy from efficiency, shows why arm swing and thoracic control set the timing for the legs, and shares practical cues to build self-awareness, symmetry, and lift—without derailing training volume. Clinicians and athletes alike will gain a clearer roadmap for translating S&C work to the road, coaching more effectively, and making durable technique change. To Follow Paul Mackinnon (The Balanced Runner): Website: TBrunner.com Instagram: @thebalancedrunner Show Sponsor: The Rehab Mechanics offers Simple Tools and Real Results. Easy fixes for your feet with a massive impact. For 20% off all The Rehab Mechanics products. Go to www.therehabmechanics.com.au Enter discount code TPPS20 at checkout. TIMELINE: 00:00 Forcing outcomes: the #1 running mistake 03:19 Inputs over outcomes; changing the whole system without losing training 04:32 Knee drive, ground time, and why top-down coaching works 07:28 Midline crossover: finding the true driver of the pattern 09:35 Physics → biomechanics → the individual: three coaching silos 11:11 Do mechanics matter? Why the debate misses the point 14:11 Lessons from swimming: skill, workload, and injury risk 16:27 Breaking-2 insight: efficiency beating raw physiology 18:09 Economy vs efficiency; cost per step explained 21:07 Two paths to change: full-pattern reset vs detailed top-down 23:05 New-way/old-way contrasts to build self-awareness 26:06 Feel, timing, rhythm: enlarging the athlete's "sweet spot" 32:29 What good running looks like: rhythm, symmetry, flight 36:37 Coaching language, listening, and athlete buy-in 43:22 Mental health: running as a lifeline 44:43 Humerus–femur coupling: why arms and thighs must sync 49:17 Simple buy-in: reduce ground time & ground reaction force 50:18 Paul's top three: Awareness • Symmetry • Lift 52:50 Why S&C often doesn't transfer—and how to fix it 59:35 One piece of advice: self-awareness—know where you are now 1:00:27 Listener Challenge: film your running, build your baseline LISTEN IN AS WE DELVE INTO THE FOLLOWING: The #1 mistake runners make: forcing outcomes vs changing inputs Why technique, capacity, and rehab are independent—but interlinked—puzzle pieces The injury ↔ performance continuum and coaching before athletes break Top-down mechanics: how arms/torso shape leg action and knee drive Midline "tight-rope" running: finding the driver (ribcage, arms, rotation) Physics → biomechanics → individual: the three silos that govern change "You can't outrun physics": mechanics as applied physics, not opinion Efficiency vs economy: cost per step, flight time, ground contact time Why research lags coaching—and what to change (and not change) first Translating S&C and plyos to running: when good gym work fails to show up Coaching language, storytelling, and athlete-led awareness (new vs old way) Rhythm vs being rhythmic: symmetry, timing, and longer flight Mental health, identity, and why running is a lifeline for many athletes Three practical cues: Awareness • Symmetry • Get off the ground The week's challenge: Film your running and build an honest baseline QUOTES: "You can't outrun physics." "How you move determines how you load." "Stop forcing outcomes—change the inputs." "Awareness, symmetry, get off the ground. Every step costs—know what you're paying for." PEOPLE MENTIONED: Ellie Salthouse – Triathlete Enda King – Hip & groin specialist (Aspetar) Rich Willy – Running biomechanics researcher Alec McKenzie, Stephen Doohig – Swimming biomechanics researchers Jenny Alcorn – Triathlon coach (historical reference) THE TEAM: Join the The Physical Performance Show LEARNINGS membership through weekly podcasts here: https://www.patreon.com/TPPShow Our goal is to get you back to your Physical Best. Find out more about Telehealth Consultations and book online. Your Hosts: 🏃 Brad Beer - Instagram & X @Bradbeer and YouTube on @PogophysioAu 💪 Huw Darnell - Exercise Physiologist & Performance Coach : YouTube: @huwdarnell & Instagram @huwdarnell The Physical Performance Show can be found at: Facebook: facebook.com/thephysicalperformanceshowpodcast X: @tppshow1 Instagram: @physicalperforamceshow Please direct any questions, comments, and feedback to the above social media handles.
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