3 Easy Steps To Improve Your Running Form

So you have just taken up running and a week into your new routine the aches and pains are starting to kick in. While it could be entirely normal and due to using muscles previously left neglected, there are a few simple things to remember to avoid permanent injury and the secret is all in the posture. 

1. Watch the stride: While it may be tempting to just go for it, many new runners have a tendency to over stride and reach out too far with their foot. This adds unnecessary pressure on the heel, which sends an impact shock wave through the entire leg. According to Huffington post, it’s not about the heel touching the ground first, but where the heel is in relation to the rest of your body when it touches the ground. Ideally your foot should make contact with the ground directly underneath your body and not in front of it.

 2. You have heard of walk tall, but what about running tall.... Watch your posture as you run and ensure your back is not slouched and you are not leaning forward. While a slight lean forward is necessary, this should come from the ankles and not your waist. This occurs naturally while running, so don’t force it. Just focus on your posture instead. 

3. It’s in the number: It’s important to remember that you are in it to build your fitness and improve your cardio. It’s not a sprint to the finish line. Get to know the golden cadence rule. Cadence is the number of steps a runner takes per minute with both feet. A general guideline for a runner is 170-180 steps to achieve a comfortable running pace. What this means is creating shorter, faster strides with less impact on the legs.