Chi Running, Pose Running and other running schools of thought seek to correct awkward running form. We know that proper running form has many benefits:
* Less Injury
* Improved Efficiency
* More Speed
* Greater Distance
Brad Dsida & Colin Gazley, were a couple of high school runners when they made this excellent proper running form video. Brad and Colin are beautiful runners to watch, and this video shows lots of slow motion. Watch how their feet land: mid-foot, not on the heel. And look at their seemingly effortless speed! These runners have had excellent coaching and have taken the key components of both Chi Running and Pose Method of running and applied it to their sport.
At the end of the video they sum it all up with these key points:
Plant your foot towards the ball of your foot to lessen impact and braking.
Keep your back and midsection erect with a slight tilt from the ankles, not the waist.
Keep your upper body relaxed and move your arms naturally with your legs. Keep shoulders down and drive elbows backwards. (Sounds odd, but this helps your stride open up behind you and it encourages your forward foot plant not to be ahead of your core.)
Don't let your arms cross your midsection. That creates side to side movement, not forward movement. Don't let your elbows move more forward than the abdominal area.
Make sure your leg swing comes through parallel to the ground.
Smile! It relaxes the entire body!
These points by Brad and Colin cover the fundamentals Chi Running. Watch how they run!
I think you will agree there is no awkward running form here!
These young guys are enjoying track and field both as a sport and also - hopefully - as the beginning of a life long relationship with running. We can learn from their examples!
