How the Forward Lean Helps You Run
If you have run a track session with us, then most likely at one stage or another you will have heard the cue “lean forward!”
What are we talking about, how do you action it and how will it help your running?
How Elite Distance Runners use the Forward Lean
If you watch elite runners running long distances or track events you will see a consistent feature in their technique: a pronounced forward lean. As they elegantly advance, their strides create a diagonal alignment from heel to head, with their bodies gently tilting forward.
While a slight forward lean is beneficial in running form, intentionally leaning forward can lead to issues. Changing your form should be approached cautiously, especially if you're not facing running problems.
Gradual adjustments are key, ideally alongside improved mechanics from mobility and strength training. If you don’t have all those pieces of the puzzle then you are opening a can of worms.
Common Mistakes when Implementing a Forward Lean
Simply leaning forward from the waist, a common mistake, can cause strain on the back and hamstrings and make running more challenging. Instead, focus on leaning from the ankles, maintaining a straight body line.
This is a skill and will require speed and training – making track the perfect place to drill it.
Related: Your Key to Unlocking Endurance Greatness
A crucial aspect is that forward lean is speed-dependent. During an easy run, excessive lean is unnecessary, while sprinting requires a dynamic balance to prevent falling. The forward lean demands strength in the core, hips, and feet, making it essential to build strength for sustained form during high-speed and stressful situations.
How to Naturally Develop a Forward Lean
To naturally develop a forward lean, prioritise regular fast running through strides, hill sprints, speed workouts, and racing. Running at higher speeds not only refines the mechanics but also builds strength over time. This should all be supplemented with Strength workouts. After all, a stronger runner has better resilience to injury, better coordination and better overall run form.
Final Thoughts
So rather than consciously forcing a forward lean, focus on running tall and balanced. Creating the right training environment through consistent speed, strength work, and cues from coaches is the key to developing an athletic, economical stride with a natural forward lean.
Fun - Honesty - SIMPLICITY - Smash Life- Mental Toughness - Hard Work
ENGINE
8 min AMRAPS with some different dance moves for Engine this week!
GYMNASTICS
We will go upside down again, but this time with HSPU, followed by pull-up progressions. We will finish with some strength work.
HYROX
This week, we hit Half a Hyrox broken down into intervals, with rest!
MOBILITY
Mobility is Back! We will improve on the positions we need fixing from end-of-year testing. Simple hip & ankle mobility & glute stability/activation were big. With overhead stability being much needed, we will start to focus on this.
PURE STRENGTH
On Monday in Pure Strength, we have banded deadlifts and some Bulgarian split squats. On Wednesday, we hit the banded bench press and progress the loading on this and the banded row.
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week in Weightlifting we are focused on the Hang Snatch, with some snatch balance, a Heavy Snatch complex and some Pulls.
Monday Ride
A skills and fitness based ride at the BikeDXB track in Dubai. Some simply structured intervals to enhance cycling ability.
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Bike DXB
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Entrance fee: https://isddubai.com/athletics-venuehire/
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/oomJAa31vKy3hQNG6
Wednesday - Brick Session
A brick session consisting of 60mins of cycling with 20 - 30mins of running. Great for all levels of triathlete.
Start time: 05:59 am
Location : BOTS - https://goo.gl/maps/6AwtJXW8nA45Cy9H8
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. This run is currently gearing run fitness towards the incoming half marathons. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Saturday - Long Ride
Saturday long ride is usually 100km long or around 3 - 3.5hrs. It's a ride catered for moderate to advanced cyclists. Please reach out to rf@innerfight.com if you have any questions.
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location : BOTS - https://goo.gl/maps/6AwtJXW8nA45Cy9H8
Sunday - DCS Half Marathon
Monday
Time: 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Mobility and Tempo
AM Session:
Please note there is no Morning session this week.
PM Session: This evening we will have our Tempo Run, which will be 8 mins at 7/10 and 3 mins recovery.
x3. Aim to keep a 7/10 effort on each block of work.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/oomJAa31vKy3hQNG6
Entrance fee: https://isddubai.com/athletics-venuehire/
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. The session today will be 800m repeats that build in pace.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
If you didn't run track, today we have some speed work for you. The session is 100m efforts through the park with a 300m recovery.
Friday
Brief time: 5:54am
Start Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This week we will be looking to dial into
2mins @ 8RPE, followed 9mins @ 6RPE. Repeating the sequence 3x gives you plenty of opportunity to find your rhythm.
Sunday
Time: 06:00
Session: Dubai Creek
Location: TBC
This week we will be at the DCS 10km and half marathon race. Warm-up location and details will be shared in WhatsApp.
This week at Innerfight, we start working on those overhead squat positions, followed by lunging and rowing in the workout.
On Tuesday, we have some clean and jerk barbell cycling, a pair of short, sharp, classic CrossFit-style workouts, and then some assault
bike intervals. We are back squatting heavily on Wednesday before some tough single leg in the workout. Thursday, we have a nice
gymnastics skill session followed by a partner workout, and on Friday, we finish the week with a Long Therapy WOD!
Monday:
Strength:
Over Head Squats
Conditioning:
Every 4 mins x 5 Complete
10 DB Overhead Alt Reverse Lunges (50/35)
20/15 cal Row
10 DB Overhead Alt Reverse Lunges (50/35)
Tuesday:
Strength:
Complex Power Clean + Push Press + Push Jerk
Conditioning:
15-12-9
Chest to Bar
Power Clean (60/40)
rest 3 mins
21-15-9
Pull Ups
Push Press (45/35kg)
Wednesday:
Strength:
Back Squat
Conditioning:
In a 4 Minute Window with 2mins rest x 4
1 Lap Car Park KB Farmers Carry
10 KB Box Stepovers
15 Burpee to Target
AMRAP
Goblet Squats
Thursday:
Strength:
A) Double Unders
B) Toes to Bar
C) Russian KB Swings
Conditioning:
21 min AMRAP with a Partner
6 Wall walks
30 Deadlift (60/40)
30 Cal Ass bike
30 Cal Ski
Friday:
Strength:
A) Ring Rows
B) Wall Balls + Goblet Wall Sit
Conditioning:
30min AMRAP - 4 movements that when put together make an epic workout!
If you have run a track session with us, then most likely at one stage or another you will have heard the cue “lean forward!”
What are we talking about, how do you action it and how will it help your running?
How Elite Distance Runners use the Forward Lean
If you watch elite runners running long distances or track events you will see a consistent feature in their technique: a pronounced forward lean. As they elegantly advance, their strides create a diagonal alignment from heel to head, with their bodies gently tilting forward.
While a slight forward lean is beneficial in running form, intentionally leaning forward can lead to issues. Changing your form should be approached cautiously, especially if you're not facing running problems.
Gradual adjustments are key, ideally alongside improved mechanics from mobility and strength training. If you don’t have all those pieces of the puzzle then you are opening a can of worms.
Common Mistakes when Implementing a Forward Lean
Simply leaning forward from the waist, a common mistake, can cause strain on the back and hamstrings and make running more challenging. Instead, focus on leaning from the ankles, maintaining a straight body line.
This is a skill and will require speed and training – making track the perfect place to drill it.
Related: Your Key to Unlocking Endurance Greatness
A crucial aspect is that forward lean is speed-dependent. During an easy run, excessive lean is unnecessary, while sprinting requires a dynamic balance to prevent falling. The forward lean demands strength in the core, hips, and feet, making it essential to build strength for sustained form during high-speed and stressful situations.
How to Naturally Develop a Forward Lean
To naturally develop a forward lean, prioritise regular fast running through strides, hill sprints, speed workouts, and racing. Running at higher speeds not only refines the mechanics but also builds strength over time. This should all be supplemented with Strength workouts. After all, a stronger runner has better resilience to injury, better coordination and better overall run form.
Final Thoughts
So rather than consciously forcing a forward lean, focus on running tall and balanced. Creating the right training environment through consistent speed, strength work, and cues from coaches is the key to developing an athletic, economical stride with a natural forward lean.
Fun - Honesty - SIMPLICITY - Smash Life- Mental Toughness - Hard Work
Monday Ride
A skills and fitness based ride at the BikeDXB track in Dubai. Some simply structured intervals to enhance cycling ability.
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Bike DXB
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Entrance fee: https://isddubai.com/athletics-venuehire/
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/oomJAa31vKy3hQNG6
Wednesday - Brick Session
A brick session consisting of 60mins of cycling with 20 - 30mins of running. Great for all levels of triathlete.
Start time: 05:59 am
Location : BOTS - https://goo.gl/maps/6AwtJXW8nA45Cy9H8
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. This run is currently gearing run fitness towards the incoming half marathons. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Saturday - Long Ride
Saturday long ride is usually 100km long or around 3 - 3.5hrs. It's a ride catered for moderate to advanced cyclists. Please reach out to rf@innerfight.com if you have any questions.
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location : BOTS - https://goo.gl/maps/6AwtJXW8nA45Cy9H8
Sunday - DCS Half Marathon
Monday
Time: 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Mobility and Tempo
AM Session:
Please note there is no Morning session this week.
PM Session: This evening we will have our Tempo Run, which will be 8 mins at 7/10 and 3 mins recovery.
x3. Aim to keep a 7/10 effort on each block of work.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/oomJAa31vKy3hQNG6
Entrance fee: https://isddubai.com/athletics-venuehire/
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. The session today will be 800m repeats that build in pace.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
If you didn't run track, today we have some speed work for you. The session is 100m efforts through the park with a 300m recovery.
Friday
Brief time: 5:54am
Start Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This week we will be looking to dial into
2mins @ 8RPE, followed 9mins @ 6RPE. Repeating the sequence 3x gives you plenty of opportunity to find your rhythm.
Sunday
Time: 06:00
Session: Dubai Creek
Location: TBC
This week we will be at the DCS 10km and half marathon race. Warm-up location and details will be shared in WhatsApp.
This week at Innerfight, we start working on those overhead squat positions, followed by lunging and rowing in the workout.
On Tuesday, we have some clean and jerk barbell cycling, a pair of short, sharp, classic CrossFit-style workouts, and then some assault
bike intervals. We are back squatting heavily on Wednesday before some tough single leg in the workout. Thursday, we have a nice
gymnastics skill session followed by a partner workout, and on Friday, we finish the week with a Long Therapy WOD!
Monday:
Strength:
Over Head Squats
Conditioning:
Every 4 mins x 5 Complete
10 DB Overhead Alt Reverse Lunges (50/35)
20/15 cal Row
10 DB Overhead Alt Reverse Lunges (50/35)
Tuesday:
Strength:
Complex Power Clean + Push Press + Push Jerk
Conditioning:
15-12-9
Chest to Bar
Power Clean (60/40)
rest 3 mins
21-15-9
Pull Ups
Push Press (45/35kg)
Wednesday:
Strength:
Back Squat
Conditioning:
In a 4 Minute Window with 2mins rest x 4
1 Lap Car Park KB Farmers Carry
10 KB Box Stepovers
15 Burpee to Target
AMRAP
Goblet Squats
Thursday:
Strength:
A) Double Unders
B) Toes to Bar
C) Russian KB Swings
Conditioning:
21 min AMRAP with a Partner
6 Wall walks
30 Deadlift (60/40)
30 Cal Ass bike
30 Cal Ski
Friday:
Strength:
A) Ring Rows
B) Wall Balls + Goblet Wall Sit
Conditioning:
30min AMRAP - 4 movements that when put together make an epic workout!
ENGINE
8 min AMRAPS with some different dance moves for Engine this week!
GYMNASTICS
We will go upside down again, but this time with HSPU, followed by pull-up progressions. We will finish with some strength work.
HYROX
This week, we hit Half a Hyrox broken down into intervals, with rest!
MOBILITY
Mobility is Back! We will improve on the positions we need fixing from end-of-year testing. Simple hip & ankle mobility & glute stability/activation were big. With overhead stability being much needed, we will start to focus on this.
PURE STRENGTH
On Monday in Pure Strength, we have banded deadlifts and some Bulgarian split squats. On Wednesday, we hit the banded bench press and progress the loading on this and the banded row.
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week in Weightlifting we are focused on the Hang Snatch, with some snatch balance, a Heavy Snatch complex and some Pulls.
If you have run a track session with us, then most likely at one stage or another you will have heard the cue “lean forward!”
What are we talking about, how do you action it and how will it help your running?
How Elite Distance Runners use the Forward Lean
If you watch elite runners running long distances or track events you will see a consistent feature in their technique: a pronounced forward lean. As they elegantly advance, their strides create a diagonal alignment from heel to head, with their bodies gently tilting forward.
While a slight forward lean is beneficial in running form, intentionally leaning forward can lead to issues. Changing your form should be approached cautiously, especially if you're not facing running problems.
Gradual adjustments are key, ideally alongside improved mechanics from mobility and strength training. If you don’t have all those pieces of the puzzle then you are opening a can of worms.
Common Mistakes when Implementing a Forward Lean
Simply leaning forward from the waist, a common mistake, can cause strain on the back and hamstrings and make running more challenging. Instead, focus on leaning from the ankles, maintaining a straight body line.
This is a skill and will require speed and training – making track the perfect place to drill it.
Related: Your Key to Unlocking Endurance Greatness
A crucial aspect is that forward lean is speed-dependent. During an easy run, excessive lean is unnecessary, while sprinting requires a dynamic balance to prevent falling. The forward lean demands strength in the core, hips, and feet, making it essential to build strength for sustained form during high-speed and stressful situations.
How to Naturally Develop a Forward Lean
To naturally develop a forward lean, prioritise regular fast running through strides, hill sprints, speed workouts, and racing. Running at higher speeds not only refines the mechanics but also builds strength over time. This should all be supplemented with Strength workouts. After all, a stronger runner has better resilience to injury, better coordination and better overall run form.
Final Thoughts
So rather than consciously forcing a forward lean, focus on running tall and balanced. Creating the right training environment through consistent speed, strength work, and cues from coaches is the key to developing an athletic, economical stride with a natural forward lean.
Fun - Honesty - SIMPLICITY - Smash Life- Mental Toughness - Hard Work
Monday
Time: 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Mobility and Tempo
AM Session:
Please note there is no Morning session this week.
PM Session: This evening we will have our Tempo Run, which will be 8 mins at 7/10 and 3 mins recovery.
x3. Aim to keep a 7/10 effort on each block of work.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/oomJAa31vKy3hQNG6
Entrance fee: https://isddubai.com/athletics-venuehire/
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. The session today will be 800m repeats that build in pace.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
If you didn't run track, today we have some speed work for you. The session is 100m efforts through the park with a 300m recovery.
Friday
Brief time: 5:54am
Start Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This week we will be looking to dial into
2mins @ 8RPE, followed 9mins @ 6RPE. Repeating the sequence 3x gives you plenty of opportunity to find your rhythm.
Sunday
Time: 06:00
Session: Dubai Creek
Location: TBC
This week we will be at the DCS 10km and half marathon race. Warm-up location and details will be shared in WhatsApp.
This week at Innerfight, we start working on those overhead squat positions, followed by lunging and rowing in the workout.
On Tuesday, we have some clean and jerk barbell cycling, a pair of short, sharp, classic CrossFit-style workouts, and then some assault
bike intervals. We are back squatting heavily on Wednesday before some tough single leg in the workout. Thursday, we have a nice
gymnastics skill session followed by a partner workout, and on Friday, we finish the week with a Long Therapy WOD!
Monday:
Strength:
Over Head Squats
Conditioning:
Every 4 mins x 5 Complete
10 DB Overhead Alt Reverse Lunges (50/35)
20/15 cal Row
10 DB Overhead Alt Reverse Lunges (50/35)
Tuesday:
Strength:
Complex Power Clean + Push Press + Push Jerk
Conditioning:
15-12-9
Chest to Bar
Power Clean (60/40)
rest 3 mins
21-15-9
Pull Ups
Push Press (45/35kg)
Wednesday:
Strength:
Back Squat
Conditioning:
In a 4 Minute Window with 2mins rest x 4
1 Lap Car Park KB Farmers Carry
10 KB Box Stepovers
15 Burpee to Target
AMRAP
Goblet Squats
Thursday:
Strength:
A) Double Unders
B) Toes to Bar
C) Russian KB Swings
Conditioning:
21 min AMRAP with a Partner
6 Wall walks
30 Deadlift (60/40)
30 Cal Ass bike
30 Cal Ski
Friday:
Strength:
A) Ring Rows
B) Wall Balls + Goblet Wall Sit
Conditioning:
30min AMRAP - 4 movements that when put together make an epic workout!
ENGINE
8 min AMRAPS with some different dance moves for Engine this week!
GYMNASTICS
We will go upside down again, but this time with HSPU, followed by pull-up progressions. We will finish with some strength work.
HYROX
This week, we hit Half a Hyrox broken down into intervals, with rest!
MOBILITY
Mobility is Back! We will improve on the positions we need fixing from end-of-year testing. Simple hip & ankle mobility & glute stability/activation were big. With overhead stability being much needed, we will start to focus on this.
PURE STRENGTH
On Monday in Pure Strength, we have banded deadlifts and some Bulgarian split squats. On Wednesday, we hit the banded bench press and progress the loading on this and the banded row.
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week in Weightlifting we are focused on the Hang Snatch, with some snatch balance, a Heavy Snatch complex and some Pulls.
Monday Ride
A skills and fitness based ride at the BikeDXB track in Dubai. Some simply structured intervals to enhance cycling ability.
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Bike DXB
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Entrance fee: https://isddubai.com/athletics-venuehire/
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/oomJAa31vKy3hQNG6
Wednesday - Brick Session
A brick session consisting of 60mins of cycling with 20 - 30mins of running. Great for all levels of triathlete.
Start time: 05:59 am
Location : BOTS - https://goo.gl/maps/6AwtJXW8nA45Cy9H8
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. This run is currently gearing run fitness towards the incoming half marathons. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Saturday - Long Ride
Saturday long ride is usually 100km long or around 3 - 3.5hrs. It's a ride catered for moderate to advanced cyclists. Please reach out to rf@innerfight.com if you have any questions.
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location : BOTS - https://goo.gl/maps/6AwtJXW8nA45Cy9H8
Sunday - DCS Half Marathon
If you have run a track session with us, then most likely at one stage or another you will have heard the cue “lean forward!”
What are we talking about, how do you action it and how will it help your running?
How Elite Distance Runners use the Forward Lean
If you watch elite runners running long distances or track events you will see a consistent feature in their technique: a pronounced forward lean. As they elegantly advance, their strides create a diagonal alignment from heel to head, with their bodies gently tilting forward.
While a slight forward lean is beneficial in running form, intentionally leaning forward can lead to issues. Changing your form should be approached cautiously, especially if you're not facing running problems.
Gradual adjustments are key, ideally alongside improved mechanics from mobility and strength training. If you don’t have all those pieces of the puzzle then you are opening a can of worms.
Common Mistakes when Implementing a Forward Lean
Simply leaning forward from the waist, a common mistake, can cause strain on the back and hamstrings and make running more challenging. Instead, focus on leaning from the ankles, maintaining a straight body line.
This is a skill and will require speed and training – making track the perfect place to drill it.
Related: Your Key to Unlocking Endurance Greatness
A crucial aspect is that forward lean is speed-dependent. During an easy run, excessive lean is unnecessary, while sprinting requires a dynamic balance to prevent falling. The forward lean demands strength in the core, hips, and feet, making it essential to build strength for sustained form during high-speed and stressful situations.
How to Naturally Develop a Forward Lean
To naturally develop a forward lean, prioritise regular fast running through strides, hill sprints, speed workouts, and racing. Running at higher speeds not only refines the mechanics but also builds strength over time. This should all be supplemented with Strength workouts. After all, a stronger runner has better resilience to injury, better coordination and better overall run form.
Final Thoughts
So rather than consciously forcing a forward lean, focus on running tall and balanced. Creating the right training environment through consistent speed, strength work, and cues from coaches is the key to developing an athletic, economical stride with a natural forward lean.
Fun - Honesty - SIMPLICITY - Smash Life- Mental Toughness - Hard Work
If you have run a track session with us, then most likely at one stage or another you will have heard the cue “lean forward!”
What are we talking about, how do you action it and how will it help your running?
How Elite Distance Runners use the Forward Lean
If you watch elite runners running long distances or track events you will see a consistent feature in their technique: a pronounced forward lean. As they elegantly advance, their strides create a diagonal alignment from heel to head, with their bodies gently tilting forward.
While a slight forward lean is beneficial in running form, intentionally leaning forward can lead to issues. Changing your form should be approached cautiously, especially if you're not facing running problems.
Gradual adjustments are key, ideally alongside improved mechanics from mobility and strength training. If you don’t have all those pieces of the puzzle then you are opening a can of worms.
Common Mistakes when Implementing a Forward Lean
Simply leaning forward from the waist, a common mistake, can cause strain on the back and hamstrings and make running more challenging. Instead, focus on leaning from the ankles, maintaining a straight body line.
This is a skill and will require speed and training – making track the perfect place to drill it.
Related: Your Key to Unlocking Endurance Greatness
A crucial aspect is that forward lean is speed-dependent. During an easy run, excessive lean is unnecessary, while sprinting requires a dynamic balance to prevent falling. The forward lean demands strength in the core, hips, and feet, making it essential to build strength for sustained form during high-speed and stressful situations.
How to Naturally Develop a Forward Lean
To naturally develop a forward lean, prioritise regular fast running through strides, hill sprints, speed workouts, and racing. Running at higher speeds not only refines the mechanics but also builds strength over time. This should all be supplemented with Strength workouts. After all, a stronger runner has better resilience to injury, better coordination and better overall run form.
Final Thoughts
So rather than consciously forcing a forward lean, focus on running tall and balanced. Creating the right training environment through consistent speed, strength work, and cues from coaches is the key to developing an athletic, economical stride with a natural forward lean.
Fun - Honesty - SIMPLICITY - Smash Life- Mental Toughness - Hard Work