Lesson in Running Faster - Concentration and Form

I have some feedback after running for the last week at a pace that is beyond an easy jog.

Concentration is very important. Not thinking about my running form leads to a sloppier, lazier style that slows me down.

I run faster and with less effort when I'm thinking about moving my arms naturally, reducing my body from rotating, running tall and landing on my mid-foot.

What is the right form? I read an article months ago that suggested that today's opinion to run tall. Practice makes perfect (but more importantly effieciency.) The run feels better when I make sure I'm not leaning forward. This is different than my coaching when I sprinted in college, but I agree in the run tall advice.

Moving my arms to much or rotating my body just seems like I'm wasting a lot of energy.

The foot placement is something I read, but can't remember why. The truth is that I thought it was incorrect when I ran at a 9 minute plus pace. Running a little faster makes running on my heels impossible without really working my calfs and extra leg movement. Sprinting required me to run on the balls of my feet. That would be impossible to keep up for any long distance.


The key is to maintain concentration so I can keep form. Run tall, don't rotate my body, keep arms swinging naturally and land on my mid-foot.

posted by jim @ 10:41 PM Permanent Link |