Runningmonkeys

Drills are a fact of life.

How is it that we learn to walk, talk, read, write and in fact how do we truly learn any skill.  We learn by practicing.  We can hear, read or see the concept, and so we can understand, but we still can not do it until we practice.  When we are ready to practice we can step up to the line and simply have a go.  We can try to put together what we know all at once and see if it works.  Sometimes it does and sometimes it doesn’t.  The times that it is likely to not work is when the skill involves either a complex arrangement of processes, when the skill involves working against established patterns, or if the skill involves a significant degree of sensory input.  The Pose Method involves the second two.

To help us practice The Pose Method of Running, it has been broken down into a relatively small number of basic actions and sensations.  These actions have been re-packaged into drills that enable us to focus on one aspect of the form at a time.  If we were to try to practice the total style all at once it would be hopelessly ineffective.  We would be getting all sorts of confusing and conflicting physical feedback and would never be able to perfect the fine points.  So we have to commit ourselves to mastering the individual drills.

In much the same way as re-learning to swim with the Total Immersion Method or Playing Violin with the Suzuki Method, The Pose Method is one complete process by itself.  To take a part of the method and run with it may bring you some benefits, but it is only when you really get the whole picture that you can see any remarkable transformation of your running. 

When we understand this fully, we realise that there is no alternative to spending the time it takes, to perfect each of the drills before we go back to full running.  I know this is painful and frustrating (as I write this I am in the middle of perfecting the drills for myself - so no real running for me!) but it is the only way that we can reliably revolutionise our form. If it is important enough for us to learn The Pose Method of Running, then we will go to the trouble to perfect the drills before we try out the running. 

The side benefit of practicing drills is that it hones our persistence, builds our self confidence and helps us to practice delaying gratification today for greater rewards later.

That sounds like a win, win, win, win situation…beat that!