3 P's of Running: Part II (Proper Technique)

I bet a lot of you didn't realize this but famed criminal, Scarface was an up and coming runner in his youth.  It's true!  His eventual demise is believed to have started when he told his track coach, "Technique!?  I don't need no stinking technique!".  Don't be that guy, you need technique.  If you don't run with technique, you too could end up sitting behind a desk with your face laying in a big pile of coke.  ;0).

Okay, enough of my BS, there are a few standard rules you should follow that will not only improve your performance but help you remain free from injury.

#1 Heads up - A common mistake new runners make is running with their head down, looking at
their feet.  Keep your head up, eyes looking at least 20 feet ahead, and shoulders rolled back standing tall.  You don't have to run like you have a stick up your bum, but stand tall.  This keeps your airway free from obstruction. 

#2 Stride - You're not a Yeti, don't run like one.  If you run with these big lumbering strides, you are overstriding.  This puts a lot of undo strain on your hamstring and knees.  Keep your feet under you, using short, quick steps.  180 steps per minute is widely accepted as an ideal step count for most runners.  Don't be a Yeti!

#3 Landing - This kind of goes along with overstriding but I wanted to separate it because I can do that, I'm a professional blogger people.  A long stride usually leads to heelstrike.  Heelstriking used to common amongst professional runners but over time this is has become less common.  Those within the running industry believe landing on your mid or forefoot puts less stress and strain on your legs.  What kind of landing do you have?  If you discover you are a heelstriker and decide to make the transition you should spend a little time reading up on this before jumping in.  Because there are still plenty of distance runners that are staying put.   Me personally I run on my forefoot but that is how I run, I didn't have to change anything.

**Making the switch**  To understand or practice running on your forefront, take your shoes and socks off and run around a nice grassy field.  Your body's natural instinct is to run gently on the front portion of your feet.  Who knew?  You have probably been running on your heels for as long as you can remember.  If you make the switch take your time and build up to it or you may injure yourself.

#4 Swing your arms - Keep your arms bent at 90 degrees moving them straight back and forwards without crossing your chest.

These are just a few of the many running techniques you will find out there.  I encourage everyone to do their own research because I only touched on a few of the ones I found beneficial to me.

Thanks for reading!  Stay healthy, happy and running!