Since I am probably not able to (or likely not interested) in going near a computer this week I actually made this post before I left. So it's not going to be one of my best things, but we'll manage, I'm sure.
Since my previous posts haven't really been all about serious workouts/technique/how to's I'll be making one today. And this is one for all you runners out there! Because you're all doing a hell of a job!
But I still see people out running, doing it completely wrong. Well, to be honest you can't really run wrong, can you now, but there are certain (little, simple) things you can do to improve a lot!
1 - Keep your chin up, work it girrl
Yep, that's right. Stop looking down on the ground, your feet will do the job without your eyes' supervision! And this is not just to look like you got things under control, it'll help your breathing a lot too! Imagine a string attached to your upper head - by holding your body up right, you'll also have a much lighter run.
I know the road can be uneven and you have to look at it, but that is why I chose my route only on the foundation I'm running on.
2 - Think about your arms, show 'em off
It is your legs doing the most of the job, but you would be surprised to know just how much your arms can help you! Having your arms flap down the sides like dead spaghetti is actually more energy consuming than using them. So pump those arms, swing them from hips to shoulder, but for the love of god keep your shoulders relaxed! They are NOT allowed to be placed under your ears! Take a deep breathe. Relax shoulders but pump your arms.
3- Relax them fists, you ain't fighting no one. I hope.
Relaxing your hands means less energy used and we like that! Though some people say you should squeeze your thumb with the other fingers if you get stomach cramps, so feel what is best for you! This is a very discussed subject and a matter of preference so go try some different things!
4 - A safe landing
Running is almost like flying and the landing is critical! Some people land on their toes, some people land on their heels - both are not good! If you land on your toes you are causing too much strain on your calf muscles and if you land on your heels you'll get lower back problems. "Well, what is left to land on then!?" Fear not! We call it the ball of the foot which is just inbetween it all, but a little closer to the toes than the heel - you land on the ball of the foot and push off, but try to get as much foot on the ground before pushing off. You can have the heel on the ground too, just don't land on it.
5 - Everything in place
We now know where to land on our foot, but what about the rest of the body?
When your foot is solid on the ground your knee should be directly above it and your hip should be directly above your knee - it's all very symmetrical! But your upper body has to be leaned a little bit forward to get a fluid motion when running.
