I notice people running.  Sometimes I stare.  Many runners have good form and others not so much.  And since it’s kind of weird to pull over when I’m driving and offer unsolicited advice, I’m tackling it here.

Try these things on your next run.

Engage Your Core
Tighten your core and you will keep your chest lifted and your shoulders back. Why does it matter?  This trick prevents you from dropping into your lower body, provide power, and energy up and you’ll be able to manage those longer miles with less fatigue.

Look Up
When you look down at your feet you are being pulled down by gravity.  Why does it matter?  Gravity, she is a bitch.  Break the pull by making sure you’re following the first step above, and think “eyes up” and your run won’t feel like such a drain.

The Right Angle
Your shoulders should be relaxed, your elbows at a 90 degree angle with your hands in a relaxed fist.  Think that your trying to hold a potato chip between your index finger and thumb.

Keep your arms close to your body and pump them front to back like pistons.  Do not criss-cross them in front of your body. Why does it matter? You waste running energy and  your feet go as fast as your arms go.  So if your arms are crossing, your feet won’t get the memo.

Let me know if these tips help.  And please share any other tips that make your runs better!

Now go run!

Keli 🙂