By: Nancy Howard, Certified Running Coach, 9/22/2009 Running may be challenging, but it is an activity humans were designed to do—and it's something nearly everyone can enjoy if we allow time and patience for our bodies to adapt to the demands of the sport. But that doesn't mean that proper running form will come naturally for you. If you were to watch 10 different people run, you would notice that each one has a distinctive style. There is not one "correct" way to run. You should run the way that is most comfortable and efficient for you. However, you can still fine-tune your running technique, whether you're an experienced runner or a walker who is ready to jump into running. Every runner should understand the basics like proper breathing, posture and foot strike. With proper form, you can help improve your performance and decrease your risk of running ailments and injuries. Whatever technique you choose to use, make sure your breathing is relaxed and deep. It may take To practice belly breathing, lie flat on your back with a book on your abdomen. Slowly inhale as you watch the book rise, then lower the book by slowly exhaling. This takes focus, but over time you will find it easier to do this type of breathing during your runs. Side stitches (sharp, cramp-like pain in the trunk of the body) are quite common among new runners, and they can really put a damper on your workout. One cause of side stitches can be shallow, upper chest breathing. This is where belly breathing helps tremendously. By inhaling and then forcefully exhaling through pursed lips, you can very often help prevent the dreaded side stitch. Maintaining good posture, with your body in an upright position, also allows for better lung expansion, therefore permitting for greater delivery of oxygen to the muscles Over time, your leg turnover or "cadence" will get faster. You may also find your stride lengthening, but this is not due to Be careful not to lift the knees too high as doing so can lead to fatigue in the quadriceps (front of the thighs). Over time, it isn't uncommon for a runner to change her foot-strike as she develops greater muscle strength in addition to developing stronger connective tissues in his legs and feet. A mid-foot strike, in contrast to a heel strike, provides greater shock absorption, decreases strain on the calves and Achilles tendon, and may help prevent shin splints. As long as your foot strikes the ground directly below your center of gravity—not too far ahead (as explained in the "Finding Your Stride" section above As you develop greater muscle strength and the connective tissues supporting the legs, eventually you may find your foot Runners should practice both uphill and downhill running, which both demand different running techniques. Uphill running requires greater power from the hamstrings (back thigh muscles), Before you begin training on hills, it is best to have run on a flat surface for several months first. Even though many people believe uphill running poses a greater injury threat, it is actually downhill training that can pose a bigger risk, especially if you do not have a solid running foundation. Once you start hill work, remember to keep these training runs to no more than 1-2 days a week, while allowing for adequate recovery before trying them again Below are some changes you will need to make to your running form in order to conquer the hills safely and effectively. You may find yourself a little overwhelmed after reading all that is involved in developing proper running form. Don't be. The most important point is to allow yourself time to adapt to the sport of running. Remember relaxation, whether with your breathing, arm positioning or body posture, is the key to becoming the best runner you can be!Proper Running Posture
Just as you should maintain good posturewhen standing or sitting, maintaining a relaxed, upright posture while running is essential. Good posture will help release tension and reduce strain in the neck and shoulders, which can prevent muscle fatigue. The idea is to run in a relaxed manner with as little tension as possible. Follow these four proper posture principles to do just that.Arms and Hands
When you run, your arms (and hands) are just as important and powerful as your legs are. They provide power and speed as they propel forward. Proper arm and hand placement is just as important as good posture if you want to be a better runner. Here's a rundown of proper alignment and movement from your fingertips to your shoulders.Breathing
Over time, each runner will discover a breathing technique that works best for him or her. As to whether you breathe through your nose, mouth, or a combination of the two, is a personal preference. Most runners find that mouth breathing provides the body with the greatest amount of oxygen.Finding Your Stride
One of the most common mistakes new runners make is The Foot Strike
Foot strike refers to how, where, and when the foot hits the ground. There has been a lot of debate in the running community as to whether heel striking or mid-foot striking is a better approach to endurance running; however, the reality is that most average runners are heel strikers. In other words, they land with their heel first and roll to the ball of the foot. This comes naturally to most people, but striking with your heel can increase your risk of injury—especially to the knees—and may set you up for shin splint or hamstring injuries.Run to the Hills
Hills can bring anxiety and dread to runners of all levels. It is usually a runner's biggest concern when scoping out races or courses to run. Nevertheless, the more you practice, the better you can cope with the terrain changes you encounter.Uphill Techniques
Uphill running burns more calories, improves oxygen delivery to the muscles, and can help an average runner train to become faster and more efficient on a flat terrain. Hills help a runner increase his or her leg turnover, and they increase strength and power in the leg muscles.
Downhill Techniques
What goes up must come down. As much as
Although there is no "perfect" way to run, improving in some areas will make you a stronger, more efficient runner over time. Do not feel you need to make these changes all at once. It is far better to focus on sharpening one specific area, such as hand and arm positioning instead of trying to change everything at once.
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