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Running Form

RunConquerCelebrate
RunConquerCelebrate Posts: 956 Member
edited February 5 in Social Groups
Hello guys, I am just getting back into running and I was wondering what do you guys do to work on your running form? when I look at pictures from my races I see that I run hunched down and I am not aware that I am running like that. How can I work on making sure I am running in a straight form?

Thanks

Replies

  • ATT949
    ATT949 Posts: 1,245 Member
    Hello guys, I am just getting back into running and I was wondering what do you guys do to work on your running form? when I look at pictures from my races I see that I run hunched down and I am not aware that I am running like that. How can I work on making sure I am running in a straight form?

    Thanks

    These folks sell an online course - http://runnersconnect.net I won't be using it for another two weeks but I voted with my wallet!

    I also really like "Running Technique" by Brian Martin. I bought the Kindle version but the dead tree version is available, too.

    This was a good find for me - http://www.goodformrunning.com

    In addition, YouTube has tons of video about running form as well as video of elites running.

    A significant thing to "get" is that running form and strength are closely linked. Brian Martin covers this well. I haven't done strength training for runners but, like the running form video, that will be part of my training regimen when I start a new training cycle later this month.

    Good luck with this and since you're exploring this facet of running, how about posting your findings back here?
  • dorianaldyn
    dorianaldyn Posts: 611 Member
    I regularly do form checks on my long runs - I go through a mental checklist every mile or so. I do notice that when I get tired, my form suffers. Poor form means I'm running less efficiently. Less efficient running will just make me MORE tired - vicious cycle! So, I do what I can to keep my form in check.
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    It takes practice and self-awareness like doriandyn I run through a quick mental checklist during a run.

    The best thing I ever did for my running form was running outside in the winter; it forces you to shorten your stride (unless you enjoy falling flat on your butt) which leads to a mid-foot strike. The rest is pretty much maintaining good posture and little things keeping your shoulders relaxed and swinging your arms in the direction you're running rather than across your body.
  • mjpTennis
    mjpTennis Posts: 6,165 Member
    Just putting my name in here for this one for some tips. I too do a mental checklist when I feel myself falling out of pace or form. I like the running outside during winter tip and am busy checking out the resources already. Thanks for posting.
  • likitisplit
    likitisplit Posts: 9,420 Member
    Raising your arms straight out to the sides and then overhead is a great instant check for posture and alignment.
  • KeithAngilly
    KeithAngilly Posts: 575 Member
    Jumping to second ATT's recommendation of Martin's "Running Technique" and the suggestion to check out youtube for slow motion videos of good running form. Also, check out Runblogger.com and Martin's http://www.runningtechniquetips.com/

    Also, I am reading Matt Fizgerald's "Brain Training for Runners" and I like what he has to say about running technique and form. I don't think everything he is offering in the book is as "revolutionary" as he seems to, but the information is excellent and I am thinking of using his program for my next race. This is another topic, but the information he presents is built around Noakes "Central Governor" theory, which Noakes writes about another excellent book about running (The Lore of Running)

    I think it's important to remember that the human body was designed to walk and run long distances. We do that better than any animal on the planet. With a few adjustments, we can unleash our true potential. Just by shortening up the stride a bit, we suddenly feel the power in our legs. The first time I did it I felt like a locomotive!
  • RunConquerCelebrate
    RunConquerCelebrate Posts: 956 Member
    Hello guys, I am just getting back into running and I was wondering what do you guys do to work on your running form? when I look at pictures from my races I see that I run hunched down and I am not aware that I am running like that. How can I work on making sure I am running in a straight form?

    Thanks

    These folks sell an online course - http://runnersconnect.net I won't be using it for another two weeks but I voted with my wallet!

    I also really like "Running Technique" by Brian Martin. I bought the Kindle version but the dead tree version is available, too.

    This was a good find for me - http://www.goodformrunning.com

    In addition, YouTube has tons of video about running form as well as video of elites running.

    A significant thing to "get" is that running form and strength are closely linked. Brian Martin covers this well. I haven't done strength training for runners but, like the running form video, that will be part of my training regimen when I start a new training cycle later this month.

    Good luck with this and since you're exploring this facet of running, how about posting your findings back here?

    Thank you for all of this information it is really good.
  • RunConquerCelebrate
    RunConquerCelebrate Posts: 956 Member
    It takes practice and self-awareness like doriandyn I run through a quick mental checklist during a run.

    The best thing I ever did for my running form was running outside in the winter; it forces you to shorten your stride (unless you enjoy falling flat on your butt) which leads to a mid-foot strike. The rest is pretty much maintaining good posture and little things keeping your shoulders relaxed and swinging your arms in the direction you're running rather than across your body.

    Thank you it is just starting to get cold here so I will really try this during the winter runs
  • RunConquerCelebrate
    RunConquerCelebrate Posts: 956 Member
    Jumping to second ATT's recommendation of Martin's "Running Technique" and the suggestion to check out youtube for slow motion videos of good running form. Also, check out Runblogger.com and Martin's http://www.runningtechniquetips.com/

    Also, I am reading Matt Fizgerald's "Brain Training for Runners" and I like what he has to say about running technique and form. I don't think everything he is offering in the book is as "revolutionary" as he seems to, but the information is excellent and I am thinking of using his program for my next race. This is another topic, but the information he presents is built around Noakes "Central Governor" theory, which Noakes writes about another excellent book about running (The Lore of Running)

    I think it's important to remember that the human body was designed to walk and run long distances. We do that better than any animal on the planet. With a few adjustments, we can unleash our true potential. Just by shortening up the stride a bit, we suddenly feel the power in our legs. The first time I did it I felt like a locomotive!


    Thank you for all of the information, I have a lot of reading to do
  • KathleenMurry
    KathleenMurry Posts: 448 Member
    Two things helped me significantly.

    1) Get someone to watch you run and critique you. This works best with if that someone is a coach/trainer who specializes in running. Not just a good buddy. I hired a guy that I see every week (not that you need to see this person all the time) but he really picked apart my form. I had my head too far forward, stood too straight or even leaned back a bit, heel striking galore.... He told me what to focus on and each week would critique me and let me know if I was improving or not. Lately we've been working on lengthening my stride...I needed him to tell me it was way too short but I can tell when I'm doing it right. It feels like flying :)

    2) Strength training. My posture improved 100% with lots of shoulder, back and core strengthening exercises. You don't necessarily need weights to do this, but I weight lift 2-3 times a week.
  • beeblebrox82
    beeblebrox82 Posts: 562 Member
    Stretch your arms over your head, roll you shoulders back (chest out) and keep them there, put your arms back at their side. Lean forward so that you feel like you're going to start walking. This moves you to your midfoot. You should be landing there not on your heel. You should notice that your stride shortens to do this, that's ok. You may suddenly not be able to run as far because you're taking more strides per mile, that's ok too. The miles will come back, and you'll be less injury prone!!

    Don't be afraid to stop and reset, especially as you get tired.
  • beeblebrox82
    beeblebrox82 Posts: 562 Member

    The best thing I ever did for my running form was running outside in the winter; it forces you to shorten your stride (unless you enjoy falling flat on your butt) which leads to a mid-foot strike

    YES! I attribute alot of my improvement in speed to running on ice this winter!
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