Science of Running
Alex Hutchinson is a middle and long-distance runner who competed on the Canadian National Team from 1997 to 2008. He also has a lifelong interest in science, which led him to complete a PhD in physics at Cambridge University in England. Alex is a senior editor at Canadian Running, where he brings his two passions together with carefully researched, but accessible columns on the science of running. He can be reached at science@runningmagazine.ca
Email: alex_hutch@hotmail.com
Alex's Blog Posts
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Jul 28 2010Running shoes, injuries, and the Great Nike Conspiracy
New research suggests the standard advice for choosing shoes may be flawed — but that doesn’t mean we should abandon running shoes just yet.
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Jul 22 2010How to run in the heat
Getting used to the heat is key — and tricks like pre-cooling with slushies can also help.
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Jul 21 2010Can biomechanical analysis solve injury problems?
Marathoner Dathan Ritzenhein hopes a custom shoe insert built for him by Nike will get him to the start line of the New York marathon in one piece.
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Jul 11 2010Shorter strides are easier on your knees and hips
Taking quicker steps produces many of the same effects that running barefoot does, a new study finds.
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Jul 11 2010Run faster, live longer?
New results from the National Runners’ Health Study suggest that speed may trump distance for heart disease risk.
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Jul 08 2010Muscle cramps: training, pacing and pickle juice
A new theory suggests that dehydration and electrolyte losses may not cause cramps after all.
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Jun 24 2010Soccer vs. distance running
Sprinting late in the game takes 75% aerobic energy and just 25% anaerobic, so endurance is key.
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Jun 20 2010Compression socks don’t help your running economy
Or do they? New studies don’t quite settle the debate.
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Jun 11 2010How to taper, and why it works
A new study finds that reducing your training before a race doesn’t just rest you up — it actually makes your muscles stronger.
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Jun 08 2010Weak hips cause runner’s knee
Several studies suggest that strengthening your hips can alleviate knee pain.
