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Better Running From Better Form

Since we’ll be building our running base before incorporating the bike and swim bits, it makes sense that we should know how to run properly.  Better form will make the entire process more comfortable, and a bit less painful after the fact.

Runner’s World had these tips on form:

BODY: Run upright. Your back should be straight, roughly at a 90-degree angle to the ground. Ignore anybody who tells you to "lean into it," even when running uphill.

HEAD: Look straight ahead. Unless you are enjoying the scenery, your eyes should be focused straight down the road on a point moving about 10 meters in front of you. Try to run in a straight line.

ARMS: Swing your arms naturally. The angle at the elbow between your upper and lower arms should be about 90 degrees. Your hands should be loosely cupped, about belly level. Let your arms swing in rhythm with your legs. The legs should control armswing, not the other way around.

FOOTPLANT: The most natural landing is mid-foot, the ball of the foot landing first, the heel contacting the ground a fraction of a second later. The toes push off a fraction after that. Some runners land further forward, or backward, than others, based on what feels natural to them. Attempt to modify this natural gait at your own risk.

These four will adjust themselves over time to what is optimal for your unique body mechanic.  Having a proper form will make running longer distances more enjoyable.

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