Running technique

Why Make Technique Improvements?
We all want to be able to run faster, on this page we will explain ways in which you can do so by making changes to your running technique - this is about getting faster without having to improve your fitness, although it will take some regular practice and concentration to improve your running technique.
Further down this page is a list of common problems runners have with their technique, you may recognise some in your own running, so can work on removing them.
For any runner to perform at their best it is important that they run efficiently, allowing their body to use as little energy on each step as possible, whilst maintaining the required stride length and cadence.
To improve your time you must lengthen your stride, increase your cadence or both, using a combination of improved strength, fitness and proper running technique. Working on technique improvements, in combination with a structured training program such as our Online Coaching will help you get the most from your running performances.


Running is Running
No matter which distance you are trying to run, surprisingly perhaps (you might think peoples running techniques vary hugely with their event), the following rules apply. The amount of effort that is put into each action that will change according to the distance that you are going to run.





How do I improve my Running Technique?
It is worth spending a few minutes reading this section as alterations to your technique over time can give a big return on the amount of effort needed.
There are five basic parts to a running action, which need to be considered. Some coaches may simplify this or break it down further, but here we'll consider the actions listed.
Try to remember these elements with the mantra below and then learn how to apply each one

Toe Up Heel Up Knee Up Reach Out Claw Back

It is extremely difficult to work on each of these effectively whilst running which is one of the reasons why Drills are so important. We can perform drills to isolate different techniques for parts of the running action and improve it before putting it all back together as a proper complete action.
With respect to running at different speeds to the above it is relatively simple - if you wish to run faster (ie. sprint) you should have more knee lift, more extension, more claw back and more drive with your arms. Equally, for longer distances (slower running) do less of each of these.
Below, Tom is shown running with a good technique for fast striding pace running . We have slowed him down so that it is easy to see what he is doing.

Note how the movement is done by his arms and legs - there is little wasted energy in vertical movements of his head and hips. Coaches often achieve this aim by telling athletes to keep their hips up high, to avoid them dropping and the athlete then having to use valuable energy to lift their bodies back up again.



Common Running Technique Problems
When runners use poor technique this results in two problems:-
Running at a slower pace
Increased risk of injury
(Sometimes you are at an increased risk of injury if your running shoes or spikes are too worn out. It might be worth checking this - we have pages of advice to help you choose the best running shoes for you.)
There are a variety of things that runners will do that cause one of the two problems above, here we try to address some of the common ones that stop runners running properly.

Heel Striking -
This acts as a braking action to your running as you will be striking in front of your centre of gravity. You then have to work on getting your weight back over this rather than using the "claw back" momentum of your foot to propel you forwards. It also increased the stress on joints as you will tend to land heavily as you do this.
Leaning Backwards - Ideally, your whole body leans slightly forwards (not bending at the waist), if you don't you again brake your action and put strain on your lower back.
Lateral Arms - Your arms should swing through in the direction you are travelling, not across your body. If there is excessive lateral movement you will be twisting your whole body, through your shoulders and causing problems for your joints. The height at the front and back of the arm swing will depend on the speed you are running.
For sprinting, you should bring your arms up to about chin height at the front and so your upper arm is almost parallel with the ground at the back. The angle of your lower to upper arm should be around 90 degrees (just less at the front and just more at the back). For longer distances the range of movement is simply, again decreased, with the emphasis being on relaxation and balance, as opposed to drive.

Sitting as you run
If your hips are not held high enough you will tend not to extend your stride as you should. Also, it is harder to get significant knee lift and you'll probably run fairly flat footed, relying primarily on the strength in your quadriceps and not using hamstrings and calves to their full ability.

Pendulum Legs
This is where you don't lift your feet far off the floor as you don't use your hamstrings much initially. This makes knee lift virtually impossible, resulting in a short stride length and in the later part of the action as your leg is relatively straight, you will actually put more stress on your hamstrings.
This is not meant to be a lesson in physiology, but more some practical advice for runners to help them improve their running - hence some of the terminology may be a little loose for the more scientific reader.