why runVIBE ? disrupt & improve
running efficiency improvement and disrupting the status quoWhy should I use runVIBE ?
Simply – No other running sensor available today, provides a easily understandable and accurate value which provides a measure of how well YOUR running technique is converting your EFFORT into forward MOTION and then helps you to IMPROVE your running technique, both in real time and post exercise.
runVIBE disrupts the current trend towards ever more complex solutions to help you achieve your goals by providing one single metric which encompasses the core factors which contribute to improved running technique.
What is Running Efficiency and why is it important ?
Running efficiency ( also known as running economy) is typically defined as “the energy demand for a given velocity which is performed at an aerobic pace”
This value is typically determined in a Lab by measuring an individuals steady-state consumption of oxygen and the respiratory exchange ratio, to determine energy use.
Running efficiency is important because “Motion with good running economy/efficiency will use LESS ENERGY than motion with poor running economy/efficiency at the same running speeds.” This means you can run FASTER and FURTHER for the same effort.
Several factors have been identified by biomechanists\scientists which are known to influence running efficiency or economy, such as net vertical impulses of the ground reaction force, vertical leg spring stiffness, stride length and the ground contact time.
The two key factors in determining running efficiency are –
1. “Ground or surface contact time” ( the amount of time your foot spends on the ground) during running as while you are stopped on the ground you are not moving forward.
2. “Collision Forces and Angles” as these determine the impact on braking of the runners forward motion during running.
How does runVIBE help me run faster and further ?
The running efficiency value provided by the runVIBE sensor is a combination of braking, propulsive, vertical and lateral forces exerted by the runner during the ground contact phase of a running step cycle ( or gait cycle).
In an ideal world, the perfect runner would transfer all of their energy or effort into forward motion, however in practice, there are always some braking and vertical components ( ie wasted energy) to all running styles.
This means that a smaller running efficiency value is better for the same running speed, as it indicates less energy being used or wasted in braking and vertical running components.
By reducing your running efficiency value at any given speed, you will be able to run at that speed with a lower heart rate and energy expenditure, enabling you to run faster and further at the same fitness level.
During training ( or competition) you can use runVIBE to –
1) Determine how beneficial any changes are to your technique immediately and in real time.
2) Monitor running technique during training\competition to ensure the most economical style is maintained.
3) Determine how fatigue impacts your running technique.
4) Determine which shoes provide the best efficiency for your running signature\technique.
“A runners technique and running efficiency, are different when an individual is running on level, uphill or downhill surfaces”
While this may seem obvious, the techniques for efficient motion are different for running uphill, downhill or on a level surface and therefore the expected runVIBE running efficiency values will differ for each of these.
Individuals can exhibit better running efficiency values for level running when compared with downhill or uphill running, dependent on how well they adapt their technique to the requirements of these different slopes .
Running Efficiency on a level surface
Running on a level surface makes up the greatest component of the time spent running for the majority of individuals. Running speed, ground impact and braking forces, and ground contact time contribute to your runVIBE running efficiency metric.
Factors in Level Running Efficiency
- Your peak running speed during a step.
- The braking forces at foot contact, which comprise your horizontal and vertical movement prior to your foot hitting the ground.
- The time your foot spends on the ground, also known as ground contact time.
Running Efficiency on a downhill surface
Running on a downhill surface influences our running technique through the influence of gravity and the steepness of the slope being traversed.
Factors in Down Hill Running Efficiency
- The same or greater running speed than running on a level surface.
- Greater braking forces due to increased downward vertical movement.
- Similar or shorter ground contact times than when running on a level surface. This can be due to increased step cadence and running speed.
Running Efficiency on a uphill surface
Running uphill has the biggest impact on our running technique. More energy is spent lifting our body vertically, than in propelling us forward.
Factors in Up Hill Running Efficiency
- Lower running speed than when running on level ground.
- Lower ground impact and braking forces due to increased upward vertical movement.
- Longer ground contact times than when running on level ground.
