Brent Kreller serves as a senior human resources project manager with the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. When not working, Brent Kreller enjoys playing slow-pitch baseball and running.
Running is great exercise. Not only does it improve overall health; it also enhances endurance and conditioning for other sports. However, to get the maximum benefit from running, it’s important to have good technique. When reviewing how you run, there are several factors to keep in mind.
For example, be sure to run “tall” rather than hunched over. To do this, imagine that someone is tugging you up by your hair. Then, as you run, lean forward only slightly. It’s important to keep this posture as you run, even when you begin to get tired. Also, try not to tense up your body more than necessary. In particular, you want to keep your hands relaxed, not tensed or clenched. Imagining that you’re holding an egg in each hand can help you achieve this level of relaxation. Finally, it’s often a good idea to shorten your stride. Instead of reaching your feet far out in front of you while running, consider taking lighter, shorter steps instead. Specifically, try to have your lower leg in a vertical position at the moment your foot hits the ground in front of you. When you want to run faster, increase the rate at which you take steps, not the length of your stride.
Running is great exercise. Not only does it improve overall health; it also enhances endurance and conditioning for other sports. However, to get the maximum benefit from running, it’s important to have good technique. When reviewing how you run, there are several factors to keep in mind.
For example, be sure to run “tall” rather than hunched over. To do this, imagine that someone is tugging you up by your hair. Then, as you run, lean forward only slightly. It’s important to keep this posture as you run, even when you begin to get tired. Also, try not to tense up your body more than necessary. In particular, you want to keep your hands relaxed, not tensed or clenched. Imagining that you’re holding an egg in each hand can help you achieve this level of relaxation. Finally, it’s often a good idea to shorten your stride. Instead of reaching your feet far out in front of you while running, consider taking lighter, shorter steps instead. Specifically, try to have your lower leg in a vertical position at the moment your foot hits the ground in front of you. When you want to run faster, increase the rate at which you take steps, not the length of your stride.