Do You Look Like This When You Run? How to be a Better Runner!

How do you look and feel when you run?

The right posture makes all the difference.

Sure, running is natural and we can all do it. And everyone has a running form that is as unique as they are. But still, experts agree that there are key points to remember that will help you run better and avoid injury. This list has been compiled from Leadership in Running Fitness notes, healthline.com, and verywellfit.com.

Think about each part of your body when you run and consider these tips.

Head

Keep your head up and look forward. Imagine there is a balloon tied to the top of your head and it’s pulling you up. 

Shoulders

Shoulders should be relaxed and not hunched. Don’t slump forward. Broaden your chest and think about getting the air into your lungs. 

Body

• Straight back, engage your core, and think: high hips.

• Do not twist your body or cross your arms in front of your torso.

Arms

• Bend your elbows at a 90-degree angle to your body.

• Drive your arms forward and backwards in time with your feet - think ‘socket to pocket’. 

Hands

Your hands should be soft but not flapping around. Imagine you’re holding an egg in each hand. Don’t clench your fists because this creates tension.  

Feet

• Your foot should land naturally beneath your centre of mass, or the middle of your body.

• Your mid foot should strike the ground first, not your heel. When sprinting, your forefoot should strike the ground first. 

• Land gently. Remember, when your foot strikes the ground, it absorbs the shock of landing. It moves down and backwards, pushing you forward off the ground.

Rhythm

Finally, think about your rhythm, and if you're not feeling a rhythm, try to adopt one. Rhythm optimises speed and efficiency. Think about running in control.

Does your running form match this list? Try these tips for yourself next time you run and see if you run better, longer, faster, or more comfortably.

Tips to be a Better Runner

You can also look to technology for suggestions. Ochy is an app for your smartphone that delivers a personalised running form and gait analysis based on your height, weight, gender, and speed. Simply record a video of you running on your phone and Ochy identifies your strengths and weaknesses, and will provide insights for improvement. It's a great way to enhance your training. It does come at a cost, but Ashby's Adventure Trails and Treks can offer our runners an Ochy running assessment for free!

One more thing to remember! A stronger core will help you to be a better runner and avoid injury. We always try to find time to work our core and arms if we can, even if it’s only for a few minutes after a run.

Join us for a run from the Coventry War Memorial Park soon.

You can sign up for a run here: Running Page