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”).