How to Run: Lesson #3
We’ve all done it. As we get tired and the miles wear on, the legs get heavy and our feet start to slap the ground. Soon you don’t have to say “On your left” anymore as you run by, because the people can hear you coming from the heavy steps and pounding. Pounding the pavement like it owes you money only takes away more energy rather than conserving it. Running Softy is an art form that must be practiced consciously at first, but them becomes more natural.
Tip #1 – Lift your knees
While running, instead of “landing on your feet”, you want to think about lifting your knees. Much like running across a beach of hot sand, you’ll want to keep picking your feet up of the pavement rather than slapping them down on the concrete. This will lead to you keeping your hips directly underneath your body and also lead you to landing on your feet a little flat-footed, but that is what you want.
Tip #2- Land Flat Footed
For distance running, you want to avoid running on your toes and also landing on your heels. You will want to distribute the point of impact on as much as your foot as possible and not localized in one area of your foot such as the ball of your foot or heel. Again, use your imagination, and imagine that you are walking barefoot on eggshells and trying not to break any of them. You’ll distribute your weight and land flat footed instead of sending pressure to a small and localized area.
As you land flat footed, pick that foot up of the ground as fast as possible from your knees. This will lead to reduced energy expenditures and more injury free running.
More to come on running your Personal Best.
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