3 Quick tips to focus on your running form
Run faster, stronger and longer is something we all want.
Now is the time focus on how you run while we don’t have goals to aim for.
Here are 3 Short tips you can think about when you are running.
Try one at a time so you can practice each one in different running sessions.
Tip #1: Lift your hips
Running form faults happen when you fatigue and it is easy to have sloppy movements.
Consciously thinking to ‘lift your hips’ is a great cue to refocus on how you move and will shift everything into a much more biomechanically efficient position
Tip #2: Cadence
This is a perfect focus for your speed sessions. Cadence is the frequency your foot hits the ground. You want it to be consistent and smooth to match your height, leg length and speed. When doing your speedwork, focusing on maintaining your leg turnover to keep your speed, and to prevent overstriding in those final repetitions when tired
Tip #3: Overstriding
Overstriding is the biggest mistake people make when trying to run faster. It’s so easy to think that when you have to faster your legs need to reach further. All this extra reaching does is add strain to your body potentially causing a braking force rather than a powerful movement forward. To avoid overstriding, try pushing off from behind on your back leg.
Remember, that forward movement is so much more than just one simple ‘push’, but it can be a simple cue for you to easily think and try to apply while running.
Working with runners to run more smoothly and efficiently is something we really enjoy doing in our clinic. It’s so great to experiment and trial different form strategies with each of your individual running styles. We can work with you on our in-store running track with an added benefit for you to have immediate feedback using the different cues such as the sense of your movement, the noise you make and us viewing your actual running patterning.
If you want to have some extra help with your running form, especially if you struggle with injury or are returning from injury, come and see one of our team. We are all runners and have a special interest in running injuries and running form.
Margot Manning
Podiatrist, Coach, Runner
intraining Running Centre
Your Running Injury Hotline
3367 3088