Pirie’s Laws!

The wisdom inherent in Pirie’s “laws” is stunning! It’s easy to just pass over each law and not credit it with much significance – but the more you understand the activity the more meaning you can see there. No wonder he held world records at just about every distance for long distance running!

GORDON PIRIE’S LAWS OF RUNNING
 (Link to book download – pdf format)

1 – Running with correct technique (even in prepared bare feet), on any surface, is injury free.

2 – Running equals springing through the air, landing elastically on the forefoot with a flexed
knee (thus producing quiet feet). On landing, the foot should be directly below the body.
(Walking is landing on the heels with a straight leg).

3 – Any and all additions to the body damage running skill.

4 – Quality beats quantity; the speed at which you practice the most will be your best speed.

5 – Walking damages running.

6 – The correct running tempo for human beings is between three and five steps per second.

7 – Arm power is directly proportional to leg power.

8 – Good posture is critical to running. (Don’t lean forwards!).

9 – Speed kills endurance; endurance kills speed.

10 – Each individual can only execute one “Program” at any one time; an individual can be
identified by his or her idiosyncrasies (i.e. “Program”). An i ndividual can change his or her
“Program” only by a determined, educational effort; each individual’s “Program” degenerates
unless it is controlled constantly.

11 – Static stretching exercises cause injuries!

12 – Running equals being out of breath, so breathing through the mouth is obligatory (hence the
nickname “Puff Puff Pirie”).

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