Last week I posted a teaser that I would be starting a Tuesday Tips Running Series.
I have a list of topics I want to share with you each week… running tips that work for me.
This week I want to discuss with you the importance of establishing good running form vs. speed.
In my opinion, I believe that it is essential to focus on correct running form before even thinking about increasing your speed or distance training!
When you have poor form while running (or anything in life) you are working harder than you should.
I have seen many runners plodding along on the side of the road with TERRIBLE form: they are hunched over, not using their arms, bouncing UPandDOWN (rather than forward), running while looking at their feet, tight fisted, pounding the pavement, or heaving for air.
To me, when I see those things, I think two things:
1. Great job! They are getting out there and running/exercising!
2. Oh man, they are working harder then they should!
When exercising you workout on a scale of RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion) ~ how hard you feel like you are working out.
Many people exercise with health and fitness goals in mind.
If you are running with poor form… you run the chance of becoming injured.
If you are running with poor form… you hinder your success of improvement.
If you are running with poor form… you are working harder than you would be if you had correct form.
Now, am I saying that I, Rachel, always have correct form while running? Oh heck no!
When I am tired at the end of my long run, my arms tend to rise, my fists clench, and I tend to bounce rather than use my legs to their full capability.
When I am aware of my form… I run a better pace, feel better, and my body works as it should.
My goal, over the course of the next few weeks, is to teach you proper running form (as well as running tips).
I hope that these tips will help you with your fitness and running goals.
Now that we know that we should focus on form rather than speed; join me next week as I begin a new series discussing proper form – part by part.
Next week: Head
Feel free to subscribe to my blog, RSS feed, or like my facebook page, to stay updated on each week’s running tips, my fitness/running journey, as well as my comical parenting adventures!
(Disclaimer: I am not a fitness professional. The opinions on my blog are written and based solely from my personal experience and what works for me.)
Thanks! I did a run tonight and I was really trying to focus on my form because of your post!! WWRT (What Would Rachel Think?)
I need someone to look at my form really because I don't have a runner's body (read: huge chest) so I need all the help I can get!
Yes form should definitely be over anything when exercising. I’m interested to see your tips!