In this episode of the Art and Science of Running Podcast, we speak with elite ultramarathoner, artist & scientist, Geoffrey Burns, about his research at the University of Michigan in kinesiology & biomechanics, specifically with regard to foot strike, cadence, and running form. In addition to discussions about Geoff’s research, we spoke with him about his proposal to regulate running footwear innovation and his rationales behind his proposals. This led us to discussions about his role as a professional athlete and a scientist navigating the sometimes conflicting realms of sponsorship, authenticity, objectivity, and professionalism.
Athletic Resume
Geoff grew up running in Southern California before walking-on to the cross country and track teams at the University of Michigan where he ran for the legendary Coach Ron Warhurst. Geoff is passionate about the sport of running and has competed at the highest levels winning national ultrarunning championships and placing as high as 5th at the world 100K championships. But Geoff is more than a great runner. He takes his writing and science seriously.
Academic and Professional Background
Geoff studied biomedical engineering at the University of Michigan and received bachelor’s and master’s degrees before working professionally as an engineer in medical devices and orthopedic surgery research. After some time in the professional sector, Geoff returned to the University of Michigan to pursue a PhD in kinesiology and biomechanics. At the time of the recording, Geoff was months away from defending his thesis.
Cadence and Changing Foot Strike Patterns
One of the many topics we discussed with Geoff is the trend toward trying to change one’s foot strike or cadence. Regarding cadence and step rate, Geoff explained,
“It’s a barometer and not a governor. There’s no magical number that’s dogmatically right for everybody.”
Geoff Burns reflecting on the commonly held belief that there is a “magic” number of steps per minute
Read these articles for additional insight on foot strike and cadence.
The Perfect Stride: Can Alberto Salazar straighten out American distance running? By Jennifer Kahn
Step it up: Does running cadence matter? Not as much as previously thought
Regulating Footwear Innovation
Geoff Burns, was one of the first to propose a means of regulating the race to create the fastest shoe by suggesting limits to stack height. He explains his rationale in the following articles:
Is it the shoes? A proposal to regulate footwear in road running
At the time of the recording, the jury was still out as to whether the IAAF would rule for or against regulating current trends in footwear:
Nike’s Vaporfly marathon shoes face a potential ban from competition
Nike shoes that have revolutionised marathon times unlikely to be banned
NIKE’S RECORD-BREAKING VAPORFLY SHOE SET TO BE BANNED BY WORLD ATHLETICS
Previous Episodes Discussing Vaporflies
We discussed the footwear in episodes four, nine, fourteen, and sixteen.
Additional Publications by Geoff Burns
Geoff has published a number of academic articles on a variety of topics related to running and biomechanics. Read Geoff’s publications here.
https://www.geoffreyburns.com/publications-1
Read more of Geoff’s prose here. https://www.geoffreyburns.com/stream
Peak Run Performance Rocky Mountain Running Retreat
Join us this Spring for the Peak Run Performance Rocky Mountain Running Retreat April 30-May 3, 2020 in Canmore, Alberta, Canada. Use discount code ASR10 for 10% off when you register at Race Roster.
Sponsors
This episode of the Art and Science of Running Podcast is brought to you by the Feed.
The Feed is an online sports nutrition store based out of Boulder, Colorado. The Feed offers a large variety of sports nutrition products, recovery tools, and supplements for endurance athletes.
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To become a Feed VIP, please visit: https://clubs.thefeed.com/artsciencerun and receive 15% off all your orders at the Feed.
Shout Outs and Social Media
Intro and outro music GOIN 4 A WALK by Dallin Puzey.
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