Running Technique - The Neglected Part of Your Running
It's a shame that so many people who get into running training neglect the concept of running technique.
When you implement just a few very basic running technique rules you can drastically improve your running performance and reduce your risk of suffering running-related injuries.
Following are some very simple running technique tips to get you started on the right foot.
Running Technique Tip #1: High Cadence
If you want a peak performance that makes you proud, you have to learn how to run efficiently. This means that with every step your body uses the least possible amount of energy without sacrificing the right rhythm and stride length.
If you want to see improvements in your time, then what you really need is to increase the length of your stride or your cadence.
Or, you may be able to increase both stride length and cadence. How is this achieved? It is achieved through proper running technique as well as increased strength and overall physical fitness.
Your first focus should be on developing a high cadence. This is important because it reduces the pressure felt by your muscles and joints when your weight comes down on them during a run. Many of us run with about 160-165 steps per minute. The ideal stride rate is 180 steps per minute.
Turning up the dial on the stride rate is not easy. It means breaking with your normal routine. And if you have a routine that you have been following for many years you may need to do some special exercises to make sure you can convert to a faster stride rate. For more in-depth information on how to change your cadence, visit my running cadence page.
Running Technique Tip #2: Make your landings natural
If you are a heel striker you are in good company, many, many runners are heel-strikers. But did you know this technique has been criticized by experts recently?
Many of the best runners run like this, but the hot topic in the running community is whether landing on your mid-foot / ball-of-the-foot is not better. After reading a book like Born to Run you would be convinced that we all need to start running barefoot.
Running styles like the Pose running technique are completely based on the belief that landing on the ball of the foot is superior to heel-striking.
I am not sure whether the one technique is better than the other. I guess if what you do currently works for you, then there is no real reason to change it. Interested in finding out more about landing on the ball of the foot? Then check out Newton running shoes for men or for women.
Running Technique Tip #3: Improve core stability
Core stability is extremely important to your running abilities. When you are running you are transferring force from one leg to another and that requires your pelvis to be rigid and horizontal at all times. Your core muscles are what keep the pelvis in that position as you run.
For efficient force transfers the horizontal alignment is crucial. The first step toward training your core is to pay attention to your posture and concentrate on improving your body alignment. You should be doing this not only while running but while sitting, standing, and walking in every day life as well.
There are also some great cross-training exercises that work wonders for the core. Consider Pilates as an example.
If you are just starting out or know you need to improve your running technique, these tips should get you off to a great start.
With time and consistent training you will notice your running cadence getting better and your core muscles getting stronger.
That is when you will notice improvements to your running as you become more efficient.
Running technique is not a part of running training that can be ignored. If you want to become a better runner you have to improve technique. There is now way around it.
Want more running gear advice?
Simply subscribe to my newsletter or to my site blog and you are ensured of keeping up-to-date with all the Best Running Gear!
