Improving Form
Posted on Oct 19, 2007 under Training Tips |Becoming more efficient can result in dropping seconds or potentially minutes off race times. Just imagine how many strides you go though during a run or a race. Thousands!! If you can make each stride slightly more efficient the result will be a huge PR!! In order to run efficiently and have good form you must be relaxed. Practice running relaxed.
Tip: A good way to practice relaxation is to go on a treadmill and try to stay as relaxed as possible while running at a decent speed. The treadmill works good because you don’t have to worry about hills or ruts, you can just concentrate on relaxing.
If you watch the elite runners you’ll notice that their jaw will bounce up and down because of how relaxed they are at a very fast pace. As much as possible try to keep your momentum in a forward motion as opposed to up and down. This may seem obvious, but you would be surprised how many people think it is good to “bounce.” This is such a waste of energy.
You will notice that elite runners do seem to bounce effortless along the track like deer. Actually they are not bouncing, but propelling themselves forward in the most efficient manner.
If you strengthen your abdominals and hip flexors you’ll be able to maintain your form better at the end of a hard workout or race when you are extremely tired.
Keep arms at 90 degree angle.
An exercise that works very good is to sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you, hold light weights in your hands and swing your arms back and forth like you are running. This strengthens your arms and will help your form.
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