What can we learn from the fastest half-marathoner in history?

In this episode, Movaia founder Thomas Butter is joined by physiotherapist and running coach JP Gloria for a technical deep dive into the running mechanics of Jacob Kiplimo.

Kiplimo isn't just fast; he holds the Half Marathon World Record (57:31). But does he run "perfectly"? We analyze race footage and training clips to separate the myths from the mechanics that actually matter for runners of all levels.

In this episode, we cover:

• The Arm Carriage Debate: Why Kiplimo’s high hands contradict traditional coaching advice.
• Cadence Breakdown: How a 186 spm cadence impacts efficiency and ground contact time.
• The "Quad Dominance" Myth: Why relying on your quads isn't the enemy you think it is.
• Trail vs. Road Mechanics: How terrain dictates foot placement and crossover gait.
• Actionable Tips: How to apply elite principles to your daily training without forcing a stride that doesn't fit you.

🔗 Links & Resources:

• Read the full transcript & see the video analysis: movaia.com/blog/jacob-kiplimo-analysis
• Get a Movaia Running Form Analysis: movaia.com
• Follow JP Gloria on Instagram: @jpgloria.dpt
• Follow Jacob Kiplimo: @jacob_kiplimo

Connect with Movaia:

• Instagram: MovaiaOfficial
• YouTube: Movaia

Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction: Who is Jacob Kiplimo?
(02:15) Initial Impressions: "Bouncy" but efficient
(05:30) The Arm Swing: Why 90 degrees is a myth
(12:45) Cadence Analysis: The magic of 186 spm
(18:20) Footstrike & Mechanics: The role of the quads
(24:10) Trail Running Context: Why he crosses over
(30:00) Key Takeaways for Amateur Runners

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.