Proprioception is your body’s ability to sense its movement and position in space. The lost sixth sense.
Imagine running blindfolded. Or with numb feet. (done and done!)
Most of your sensory information during a run comes from proprioception.
Your visual and auditory senses will help you guide your run, but 70% of what you need to know (where to land, how much force to use, when to push forward, etc.) comes from your feet. SEVENTY percent.
That is why what is on your feet is so important: it is the one thing between the world and your brain. It could really dumb your senses down a lot.
What do you think you would do better with, a blindfold or numb feet? Would you want to test it out?
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That’s a BIG shoe! Sometimes I’ve felt as if I’m running with numb feet when it’s REALLY cold outside, and I run in the dark a lot….hmmmmm……
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yes, and it’s a bit scary, isn’t it? Have you noticed how your stride adjusts when you run in complete darkness? if not, try closing your eyes on the next straight stretch. you’ll see!
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This topic speaks to my inner dork… On the very surface, if runners were more aware of their proprioceptive feedback they would most likely be faster and face less injuries.
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Agreed!
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