Isaac Newton and the Pogo Stick

The other day, I was doing intervals on the track, and I felt that my effort were unsuccessful. At the completion of my training routine, I ran into Sir Isaac Newton. He was leaning against the fence. I approached. He has coaching credentials. I asked him how I could improve. He laughed and said one word, “Gravity!”

I said, “What?” He didn’t reply but he reached behind the fence and pulled up a pogo stick. This time, without a smile, he handed me the pogo stick and silently walked away!

I never had a pogo stick, but I understood the idea. I studied the object. It was a pole with foot rests and a formidable spring at the base. 

Well, my workout was over so I thought, why not!

I hopped on the stick and bounced. With increasing additional pressure, I bounced higher. Interesting, but what did this have to do with running. 

Balance is key. If one tips, one can correct and maintain an upright position.

I experimented! I I leaned forward. The stick and I went forward. I applied more pressure and increased the lean. The stick and I picked up the pace!

I got it!

I smiled! I looked up and there was Issac; he was smiling as well.

So, each of my legs was a pogo stick!

I experimented with leaning. Leaning with the head did not feel right. Leaning with the upper body also felt awkward. 

Then I got it! I started to lean my hip forward while using my two pogo sticks, and I felt speed! The more I energized a pogo stick, the greater the speed. I thought of a car, a car with a manual transmission. I can also change speed! How can I do it? I can do it by varying the angle of forward lean at the hips.

Running is so easy! Not really! I do, however, have new weapon, thanks to Sir Issac Newton and a pogo stick!