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.