Run Form and Common Running Mistakes

Benefits

Proper running form promotes efficiency, pace, and injury prevention. To see areas for improvement, ask someone to video you at the start and end of a long run. Then, self-analyse and discover ways to correct your form.

Form Checkers

1. Look ahead, don't let your chin drop or raise. Keep your ears in line with your shoulders.
2. Keep your shoulders back, allowing your chest to be open for oxygen intake.
3. Keep your arms relaxed with a 90-degree bend at the elbows and swinging forwards (not across your body)
4. Have a slight forward lean that starts at your ankles (don't slump forward). Stay tall; you should be able to draw a straight line through your shoulders, hips and ankles.
5. Stay strong through your core. A lot of your power comes from here, and if your torso is weak you can slouch, and that will affect all other areas.
6. Footstrike should feel light. How your foot strikes the ground is specific to the type of runner you are and not something to try to change at this stage of your training.

Pick a couple of areas that you feel are significant for you and have these in mind throughout your run. Aim to run dynamically with power and feel relaxed with a comfortable stride.

You may be interested in reading of Phil's blog for more about running form:
What is Proper Running Form?

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