Is Running Really 'Natural' & Do You Really Need To Learn Running Technique? - Stephen Scullion - Olympic marathoner

Aug 13, 2025

Intro: This is a quick summary of “Is Running Really ‘Natural’ & Do You Really Need To Learn Running Technique?” from Stephen Scullion – Olympic marathoner. It’s a great watch — we’re breaking it down so you can try the workout today. Be sure to check out the full video for all the details.

Key Points:

Good running form isn’t innate for everyone; deliberate drills, strides, and plyometrics sharpen mechanics and reduce fatigue‑related breakdown.
An extended warm‑up (easy jog + drills + strides) bridges the gap between easy running and the main session, improving cadence and muscle activation.
Strides should start at about half‑marathon pace (~5:20‑5:25 / mi) and progress to 5K pace, acting as a form‑focused primer.
Hill work (15‑second hills) forces proper arm swing and foot contact, reinforcing upright posture.
Post‑run yoga and targeted activation (hip, glutes, hamstrings) address imbalances that can sabotage form as you tire.
Avoid stacking high‑intensity sessions back‑to‑back; keep lactate and perceived effort in check.

Workout Example:

Warm‑up – 4 km easy jog.
Drill set – perform your favourite warm‑up drills (high‑knees, butt‑kicks, etc.).
Strides – 4 × 100 m strides: first two at half‑marathon pace, next two at 5K pace.
Main session – 10 min total: 2 × 7.5 min at ~5:20‑5:25 / mi (threshold effort) with a short 3 km cool‑down.
Hill tip – add 4 × 15‑second hill repeats focusing on strong arm drive and quick foot turnover.
Cool‑down – easy jog + 5 min of post‑run yoga targeting hip flexors, glutes, and hamstrings.

Closing Note: Try this form‑focused routine today, and feel free to adjust the paces to suit your own fitness using the Pacing app. Keep building stronger, more efficient running—your future self will thank you!