Uploaded August 2023 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

---

One overlooked component when analyzing elite marathon runners....

There is something important that you can't see from this side view.

And this is step width.

Step width refers to how far apart the feet are from each other.

Let's take a look at a front view of Kelvin Kiptum during the fastest debut marathon ever.

Note that his foot does not really cross the midline of his body and is relatively stacked under the rest of the leg.

Significant crossover beyond midline may correlate with decreased running efficiency (Arellano et al. 2011)

Also, if you have outer knee pain, like in the case of IT band irritability, this may be something to address as a foot crossover pattern places more loads on that area during running. (Meardon et al. 2012)

Taking slightly wider steps may help offload that irritable site when running.
-
If you are interested in more short form content, check out my instagram (@jpgloria.dpt): instagram.com/jpgloria.dpt
-
Also, I am finally opening up more slots for my run coach services. If you are interested, check out my website: jpgloria.com