The Biomechanical Model for Minimum Movement Time during Running and Walking 02 - Putting the Biomechanical Model Together

Today, I am beginning the series of posts related to how the Biomechanical Model of Running and Walking to achieve minimum movement time is put together.

The Biomechanical Model of Running and Walking is constructed using the Biomechanical Principles presented in my posts labeled "The Basics" plus a few additional Biomechanical Principles that are specific to this particular model.

The procedure for constructing the model is straight forward.  You place the most relevant Biomechanical Principle at the top of the model.  The second Biomechanical Principle overlays the first principle wherever similar boxes exist.  The remainder of the Biomechanical Principles overlay the preceding principles in a similar manner.  The order of principles will be explained as the model is constructed.  The completed model was shown in my post titled "The Biomechanics of Running and Walking 01".

Click on "read more" to learn how the model is constructed. I start with an explanation of the most relevant Biomechanical Principle for this model. 

The most relevant Biomechanical principle included in this model is the Linear Speed Principle.  This principle states that a decrease in movement time (t) (i.e, the time it takes to move from point A to point B) of the body is caused an increase in the body’s linear movement speed (s) (i.e., the straight line speed of the body) and/or a decrease in the distance to be traveled (l).

The equation for the Linear Speed Principle is given here.

A graphical representation the Linear Speed Principle is presented here.

There are two questions to consider when implementing this principle:

1. How do I increase movement speed?
2. How do I decrease the distance traveled?

The answer to the first question will be addressed in my next post.  The answer to the second question is the following:

When you "plan" to run a desired distance, you should "actually" run that distance.

For example, if you are planning to do a 3.0 mile run, then run 3.0 miles.  In other words, do not run 3.1 miles or 3.2 miles or any distance greater than 3.0 miles.  How is this accomplished?  Two answers:

1. When you are running a curved portion of the run, run as close to the inside of the curve as possible.
2. Between the curved sections of the run, run a straight line to connect the curves.