Peter Robertson used to run with small sticks occasionally. In the past few months it looks like Emma Snowsill and Brad Kalefeldt are also running with hand sticks.
Have heard they use them to relax, but still surprised to see them using them.
Any other thoughts/comments on running with ‘hand sticks’??
What? Could you explain a bit more?
I saw Peter win the ITU World Cup in Sydney carrying these things in April 2000. With a mile of the run left he was well clear when he dropped one of his sticks, and to my surprise he went back for it. Then I saw him at Manchester Airport after the World Cup in 2006, and asked him why he doesn’t use them anymore. He explained that they made no difference.
Haven’t done it in a pretty long time, and I stopped when I was told that it was a bad idea. Was also told not to run with scissors or run right behind the swingset.
My understanding of the sticks is that they were a tool for forcing a runner into proper arm position. For Robertson, I heard it was a lot of crossing over that made his coach have him run with a foot long stick in his hands. If they were hitting together they were crossing over, forcing him to cary them upright and move his arms forward rather than sideways.
After that, I think it was like a security blanket. They don’t really do anything when they’re that short. If it forces them to work on and focus on proper form, it will pay off in the end.
I’ve used it with young runners who are all over the place and it does quiet ther stride and make them run more forward.
do you have any pics? Sure were not talking about inhalers? Emma carries one.
I saw Peter win the ITU World Cup in Sydney carrying these things in April 2000. With a mile of the run left he was well clear when he dropped one of his sticks, and to my surprise he went back for it.
Maybe there are different rules for the ITU circuit. But, if he hadn’t gone back, he may have been hit with a penatly for equipment abandonment.
Steve
For those of us concerned with security from bad guys or rabid dogs, carrying escrima sticks (and knowing how to use them) can be useful! 
I use my saltstick carrier like a running stick. I only carry one, so I have a free hand to grab cups at aid stations, and I switch it back and forth. I find it helps. I run with my keys in my hand a lot at home, which also seems to help me relax and focus. Something to squeeze too when running hurts.
I bet we will see some people at the next race with sticks . I still smile when my training partners show up for a run in compression socks. I bet the non runners just shake their head about this trend. Even if it helps can’t you just put them on when you get home : ) If I was a great triathlete I would run with one of those fake dog shit things on my head. The next week you could sell your dogs stuff to every triathlete in the neighborhood. -----I am not talking about us I mean those other triathletes 
people are so ridiculous
lol
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There was a guy at CDA running with a full length stick for the entire run!
FWIW, I worked as a volunteer at the first Hy-Vee tri in 2007. Before the race, I walked around to check out bikes and see how the pros set up their transition areas.
The first thing that surprised me was how dirty, beat up, and generally “un-pro” some of the bikes were. I guess if I traveled every week and rode my bike as much as they did, my bike would look pretty beat too.
The second thing that surprised me was the contents of Emma Snowsill’s hat: two small off-white dowel rods, maybe 8cm long x 1.5cm in diameter. Wondering what they were, I snapped a picture on my cell phone. Sadly, that was 2 years ago and I don’t have the picture any more. But I can confirm that yes, she has run with these sticks for a while.
What they’re for, I’d still love to know!
mm
I always thought the stick thing was pretty cheesy. Seems like it’s really gaining in popularity, though.
Hell I think I even saw some fools doing it at the olympics. jackasses…
I remember watching Robo run with the sticks, I always liked him as an athlete… what’s he up to these days?
I run with a gel in my hands. I almost never eat the dang thing but I have found I like to run with something in hand. Kinda similar I guess.
AP
It was a cane Jackmott runs with a cane also
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They run with them because they get their running rhthym from their hands. I see Greg Bennett running all over town wearing gloves. At first I thought it was for heat training, but then he mentioned that he uses them as others use sticks. It makes them aware of their hands and helps with rhythm…why do you think M. Jackson danced so well.
what, exactly, constitutes a “full length” stick?
Something this girl likes to do as well.
Haven’t done it in a pretty long time, and I stopped when I was told that it was a bad idea. Was also told not to run with scissors or run right behind the swingset.