Team Moody kicks off shoes during running clinic

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jarrod Grammel
  • 23d Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Two-time Air Force marathon winner and natural running expert U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Mark Cucuzzella shared his knowledge and experience with Moody Airmen May 30 and 31.

More than 200 Airmen attended the four-hour clinic, which focused on efficient running gait, proper nutrition and training.

"Every part of our body is designed to run," said Cucuzella, Air Force Marathon medical consultant and Efficient Running Program subject matter lead. "From a ligament in our neck to our big toe and respiratory system, we have evolved to run."

Cucuzzella reinforced this idea using diagrams and videos demonstrating the natural "spring" when a human runs. He also stressed the importance of landing with a mid-foot strike and leaning slightly forward to engage the body's natural "spring."

"Running is important for overall health, and it doesn't have to be painful," said Cucuzella. "There is a way to run efficiently without getting injured. Running is cheap, easy and portable."

One piece of advice Cucuzzella gave to Airmen in attendance was to "train don't strain." He said running and physical fitness is about building a good aerobic base. On most runs, stay at a pace that is comfortable, 8 to 9-minute mile pace for most people.

"The main thing is that I want people to enjoy running," he said. "I hope they want to run and get healthy. Everyone needs to learn how to stay healthy and running is a big part of that. Studies show that running can prolong your life and prevent many chronic illnesses."

Cucuzzella has been teaching these principles for five years and visits a base about once a month.

"Moody is a great place with interested Airmen, who have operation jobs," he said. "I wanted to teach them something useful. It is a privilege to work with people who are motivated."

The running clinic held at Moody was aimed at Airmen who generally struggle with running or have had problems with injuries.

"I signed up because I wanted to improve my running," said Master Sgt. Jeff Posey, 820th Combat Operations Squadron NCO in charge of deployed data communications. "I have had problems with my feet, and I figured if I improved my running form, it might help. They showed us how to run with proper technique to minimize impact."

Cucuzzella started the program after the frustration of his own injuries.

"It began because of my own injuries," said Cucuzella. "I like to run but was constantly injured. One day, the doctors told me I couldn't run anymore. I loved running and I didn't want to stop. So, I decided to figure out why I was getting hurt."

Cucuzzella puts the modern running shoe in the crosshairs when talking about running injuries, stating they impede natural body mechanics by forcing a heel strike.

"A big challenge I face is breaking conventional wisdom," said Cucuzella. "We have always been told that our feet need stiff supportive shoes and that the proper way to run is heel to toe. I want to teach people that there is a better way to run. It takes practice and patients but anyone can learn.

"I don't promote any brand or company, just running the way it was meant to be," he added.

Cucuzzella and his team are working on an efficient running program for the Air Force to help all Airmen run efficiently and injury free.

To better understand efficient running, visit Cucuzzella's website: here.