Good running techniques help running feel smoother and less tiring. As a result, many runners feel more comfortable and in control. While technique looks different for everyone, a few basics apply to most runners.
Importantly, running techniques are not about copying elite athletes. Instead, they focus on reducing wasted energy and staying relaxed.
Keep Your Posture Upright and Relaxed
First, focus on posture. Stand tall with your head up and eyes looking forward. This helps keep your chest open and breathing relaxed.
However, avoid stiffness. Keep your shoulders low and relaxed. Otherwise, tension in the upper body can lead to early fatigue.
Let Your Arms Swing Naturally
Next, pay attention to your arms. Arm movement helps control balance and rhythm.
Ideally, keep your arms bent comfortably and let them swing forward and back. At the same time, avoid swinging across your body. When arm movement stays controlled, your stride often feels more stable.
Take Shorter, Quicker Steps
Another key technique involves stride length. Overstriding is a common issue. As a result, impact increases and momentum slows.
Instead, focus on slightly shorter steps. By doing this, your foot lands closer to your body. Consequently, running often feels lighter and easier to control.
Land Lightly on Your Feet
There is no single correct foot strike. For example, some runners land on the heel, while others land midfoot.
What matters most, however, is landing lightly. If you avoid pounding the ground, stress on joints is reduced and efficiency improves.
Keep Your Core Stable
In addition, a stable core supports good running technique. You do not need to tense your abs. Rather, gentle engagement is enough.
This stability helps prevent collapsing through the hips. As a result, your upper body stays steady while running.
Relax Your Body While Running
Tension wastes energy, and it builds quickly. For instance, clenched fists or raised shoulders reduce efficiency.
Because of this, check in with your body during runs. If needed, relax your hands and arms. When the body stays loose, running feels easier.
Match Technique to Easy Effort
Importantly, running techniques improve best at easy effort. During hard runs, form often breaks down.
Therefore, use easy runs to focus on posture, rhythm, and relaxation. Over time, better technique becomes automatic.
Make Small Changes Over Time
Trying to fix everything at once can feel overwhelming. Instead, focus on one small change at a time.
For example, work on posture one week and arm movement the next. Gradually, these changes lead to lasting improvement.
Do You Need Perfect Technique?
No, perfect technique does not exist. Even experienced runners vary from day to day.
The goal, therefore, is comfort and efficiency. If running feels smoother and more controlled, your technique is working.
Keep Running Techniques Simple
Finally, running techniques should support your running, not distract from it. Overthinking often causes tension.
When posture is relaxed and movement feels natural, you are using good running techniques. That is what matters most.
Resources:
https://www.asics.com/gb/en-gb/asics-advice/correct-running-form/