Running form

Looking back over previous times I have tried unsuccesfully to run on a regular basis, I have become convinced that part of my problem lies in my running form. It would be great if what had been holding me back all these years was simply a lack of knowledge of running technique. If so, and if I sorted this out right at the start, it would help me to make better progress and have fewer aches and pains (and fewer injuries). Then I could get down to the real work of increasing distance and pace.

There is quite a lot of information out there on the web about how to run properly. In particular there are quite a few 'branded' systems around, Chi Running, Pose Method, Good Form Running, Evolution Running, and so on. So I looked into these various systems on the web, and came to a couple of conclusions:

1. These competing systems are more similar than they are different (good news, as this implies there is broad agreement on what constitutes a good way to run, and that the differences are more on how to achieve this than anything else).

2. These systems are all rather expensive for what you get (bad news, as I hate paying for anything, especially when I don't feel I am getting value for money).

Similarities of all these systems:

1. Keep your posture tall and your head up when you run
2. Land on your mid/forefoot, not on your heel
3. Bend your knees slightly so your foot lands under your centre of mass
4. Lean forward slightly from the ankles so you are not fighting gravity
5. Use a higher cadence (steps per minute) and a shorter stride to make the most of stored energy.

 So I put these principles into practice when I started running again, and I must admit they did seem to make a difference. I can state categorically that I have never run with less muscle and joint pain before. Whether my recent improvements in pace will continue remains to be seen, but so far it looks good.

In the end I went and bought the Chi Running book by Danny Dreyer. It was on special offer at Amazon ... what can I say?

Some of my fears were realised. At least two-thirds of the book is just not worth having. New age mumbo-jumbo and self-publicity. Nonetheless, the parts of the book that deal with technique are interesting, it is just that you can get much of this information from the web for nothing.

The other day I got hold of Ken Mierke's Evolution Running DVD (for free - I wasn't going to pay the £50 it costs on Amazon UK). Chris McDougall recommends this system and used it himself to great effect. This is much more useful ... no fluff, just solid step-by-step explanations, firstly on what most runners do that is wrong, and then on how to correct it. It is now safely on my iPod where I can watch it any time I need reminding, and as I didn't pay for it, I can hardly complain about value for money ...