Good Form Running

Most of what I blog about has to do with what I think about or what I talk about on a day-to-day basis. Since I am employed as a running coach and also as a running footwear, apparel and accessory expert at a Chicago running store, I'm consumed with running. So, let's talk about running. First, a question: do you drive a car? Of course you do. And what did you do before you first drove a car? You took a course, you practiced, you made mistakes and learned from them to become a more experienced driver. Running is the same way.

The Course

Welcome to a crash course on the art of running. It's quite simple really, left foot in front of right foot, right foot in front of left foot. Repeat. That's all, right? The truth is, most people I see running do not know what the proper way to run is or why doing so can help decrease injuries and improve performance. Check out the info below on Good Form Running.

The Review: 2 DOs and 3 DO NOTs

1. Do: Lean at the ankles
2. Do: Land with your MIDFOOT
3. Do not: Strike the ground with your toes pointed to the sky
4. Do not: bend forward at the waist.
5. Do not: Run on your toes (FOREFOOT)

Final Comments

Leaning at the ankles ensures that you are putting your center of gravity in a position that encourages a natural (but controlled) falling motion. This is critical to Good Form Running. When your foot lands on the--class, together now: MIDFOOT!--you are landing UNDER your center of gravity, not away from it. Those that run with the foot way out in front are typically over-striding and landing with a crashing or breaking motion. This puts unnecessary stress and strain on the body. Not good.

Not sure what else to say. I hope you will send me your questions if you have any.

Finally, this is not my original idea and I take no ownership of the phrase, "Good Form Running". Please visit goodformrunning for a more detailed and comprehensive look into proper form.

ZYM

For the calorie conscious athlete looking to stay hydrated without taking in extra calories from carbs and sugars, look no further than ZYM. This electrolyte tablet dissolves in water and actually tastes great. There are 3 varieties of ZYM, each with a unique taste and formula.

My favorite ZYM has always been the berry flavored ZYM Catapult. The 100mg of Caffeine and 200mg of Guarana certainly packs quite a punch, so it's like downing a couple shots of espresso without staining your teeth or giving you wicked coffee breath. Did I mention the best part about ZYM? It is great for hangovers!

Here is the breakdown on the nutritional contents of all 3 ZYM flavors:

ZYM Endurance Lemon-Lime Flavor • Calories: 7 • Carbs: 1g • Sugars: 1g • Sodium: 250mg • Potassium: 50mg • Magnesium: 50mg • Calcium: 30mg • Vitamin C: 100mg • Vitamin B5: 5mg • Vitamin B6: 8mg • Vitamin B12: 40mcg • Natural flavors • Natural colors • Gluten free • Vegan friendly

ZYM Catapult Berry Flavor • Calories: 4 • Carbs: 0g • Sugars 0g • Sodium: 250mg • Potassium: 100mg • Magnesium: 17mg • Calcium: 18mg • Vitamin C: 100mg • Vitamin B12: 500mcg • Guaraná 200mg • Caffeine 100mg • Natural flavors • Natural colors • Gluten free • Vegan friendly

ZYM Rival Orange Flavor • Calories: 7 • Carbs: 0g • Sugars 0g • Sodium: 300mg • Potassium: 100mg • Magnesium: 50mg • Calcium: 30mg • Vitamin C: 150mg • Vitamin B2: 1.7mg • Vitamin B3: 20mg • Vitamin B5: 10mg • Vitamin B6: 4mg • Vitamin B9: 10mcg • Vitamin B12: 40mcg • Natural sweetener • Natural flavors • Natural colors • Gluten free • Vegan friendly

3 Reasons Why I Love SPRI Xercuffs

1. One piece of equipment for a total lower body workout.

2. Strengthens abductors and adductors, gluteus medius, and TFL, reducing the likelihood of ITBS issues for runners.

3. Fast, cheap, fun way to exercise.

I need a blog. Wait, do I need a blog?

This is my blog. Do I need a blog? Probably not. But just like everyone else on the interwebs, I, too, can publish short sentences and avoid the rules of grammar and writing. So what will I do with my site?

I plan to use this space to share and discuss what I know best. People frequently ask me questions concerning health, fitness, nutrition, and electronics, so I will focus my efforts into those areas. You should know, however, that I am interested in everything, so expect occasional ramblings on history, humor, current events, awkwardness, random facts, sports, and eating at ridiculously tasty restaurants. Just don't expect too much, as I am limited by ADHD and keratoconus.

So there you have it, a description of what my blog is about and what you can expect to find here.

Enjoy!