What Is A Proper Running Technique?
Many use the term 'proper running technique' but in reality there is no one-size-fits-all technique. Because we're all different shapes and sizes, have variations in muscle strengths, types and mass etc, one particular 'technique' may not suit another runner.
I've seen runners almost tie themselves in knots trying to run in a way they think is correct. Yet, it's simply not possible to coordinate all of the actions involved in running to 'get it right' - there's just too much going on!
I prefer to look at it from the angle of 'what am I doing that's slowing me down?'
How do you know if you're running efficiently?
Unfortunately, many of us develop poor movement habits that prevent free, natural running that slow us down and increase the risk of injury by making it harder work than it should be. The problem is once it's a habit it's both hard to recognise and change.
Try this simple test to assess your technique (whilst sitting down!).
Try the experiment below and find out just how much your technique is determined by a factor you have probably never even considered.......
- Fold your arms, note the position of your hands and which arm is on the outside.
- Now unfold them and fold them again, but this time the opposite way.
- Note your reaction to how this feels.
Does it feel odd, or even wrong? In the first step you used your habitual ‘folding the arms’ pattern. You did not have to think about how you did it because you have an existing pattern; it’s automatic and feels right.
The important lesson from this experiment is how the two positions feel.
Your habitual pattern feels right and is easy to do, your non-habitual opposite way feels wrong and is not quite so easy to do. There is obviously nothing wrong with the opposite arm-fold, but it will feel wrong. What feels right and wrong is therefore determined by habits that may be working for you - but also against you.
How you run will be done in a way that feels right - it's your running habit!
Have you ever tried to run in a way that feels wrong? In other words, a totally new way!
However, you can only assess whether your style is efficient when you have something else to compare it with. If you always do what feels right, you're running within your habitual comfort zone effectively creating your own physical limitations. To breakthrough this self-limiting barrier you will have to think and move in a totally new way!
If you want to take your running to the next level or rid yourself of persistent injury problems, you will have to venture into the unknown. This means going to new places you don’t yet know. Conveniently, my new guide will help you do this :0)
Take Your Running To The Next Level
