What is running technique?
We call running technique the way we move our body during running. Running technique plays a fundamental role not only in achieving better athletic performance, but also in preventing injuries, making every movement efficient and ensuring that running training is optimal. It involves a large number of aspects related to movement, which in most cases we must work on consciously in order to improve them.
Some of the aspects involved are:
- Body posture: keeping your back upright and straight, your shoulders relaxed while avoiding unnecessary tension, and without leaning too far forward or backward.
- Your arms should be kept at an approximate 90-degree angle, moving forwards and backwards with relaxed hands
- Foot strike: with the aim of reducing impact on the joints, it is advisable to land on the midfoot, avoiding landing on the heel or the toes.
- Body alignment, between the ankles, knees and hips.
Why is it important to have good running technique?
1.Improve athletic performance:
Enhancing our performance goes hand in hand with proper running technique. An efficient stride will allow us to increase our speed and achieve greater endurance with less effort. It will also allow us to maintain a consistent cadence and respond better to factors such as changes in elevation and terrain.
2.Helps prevent injuries
A stride that is too long or too short, or simply incorrect posture, can significantly increase the risk of suffering an injury. Good running technique allows us to distribute impact across the muscles and joints and avoid placing additional pressure on them. Some of the most common injuries are tendinitis, plantar fasciitis and knee problems.
In addition, correct posture helps relieve tension in the neck, back and shoulders.
3.Efficiency of movement
Proper technique means more efficient movement; it will help us maintain suitable posture and an efficient stride and, as a result, maintain a consistent pace for longer, helping us progress towards our goals.
Tips to improve your running training:
- Practice mobility and flexibility: it is important to include a routine of static and dynamic stretches to improve your range of motion.
- Consult a professional who can analyze your technique and advise you on how to improve it.
- Perform specific exercises that can help you achieve better technique:
- Skipping or quick jumps: alternating your knees towards your chest, perform quick, short jumps forwards.
- Butt kicks: run while bringing your heels towards your buttocks. This exercise helps us improve strength and flexibility in the hamstrings.
- Sideways running: to improve agility and coordination. It involves moving sideways to one side and then to the other.
Conclusion for effective running training:
Good running technique is a crucial aspect for any runner, regardless of their level, discipline or goals. Running technique has a significant impact on efficiency, results and injury prevention, and it is crucial to improve it when undertaking running training. By optimizing our running technique, we will reduce unnecessary energy expenditure, allowing us to run faster without becoming fatigued and for a longer period of time.
Investing time in improving our running technique is essential, as it not only contributes to achieving our athletic goals, but will also help us engage in a more sustainable and safer practice over time, whether we are training to run or taking part in a competition.