The Best Running Posture – Do THIS 1 quick hack to run FASTER!

In this post about the best running posture, I am going to focus on the head and will be doing a series of blog posts on RUNNING POSTURE, each post with a focus on a different area of the body!

My first piece of advice is to focus on one area of your running form at a time. Trying to fix too many areas at once will make matters confusing, and you might also find that by fixing your one key area of focus, actually automatically fixes another!

Let’s get into it…

RUNNING POSTURE – the quick fix to running faster and reducing injury!

In this first post of a series about running posture, I am going to focus on your bonce!! (That’s the HEAD for anyone who doesn’t understand my primitive linguistics!!)

The human head weighs roughly 5kg (14lb in old money) and balances on a set of muscles in the neck that

• a) aren’t really that strong, and
• b) have, over this past 2 decades, endured a bit of a hammering since the invention of the mobile phone

These muscles were already in disarray since the invention of the typewriter, and as we have become ever more office-based, the issues get exacerbated and we find ourselves, as a species, living with a hunched over posture and rounded shoulders (the muscles have had to adapt in the shoulders and upper back to accommodate the constant leaning of the head!)

How does posture affect our running?

As you can see from the infographic, the head, each time it leans forward 15 degrees, the actual weight of 5kg (depicted when totally upright and sitting nicely on the top of the spine and neck muscles) is multiplied by roughly double. Now, the head doesn’t get heavier, but the net effect on the body means it feels that way

The effect on the postural chain when running

So then… In running terms. Who fancies running with an extra 5kg on their shoulders? How about an extra 12kg? 22kg? Anyone? No? I didn’t think so! This is the effect it has and can cause major issues down the postural chain when running

How can you ‘fix’ this?
Firstly, stand up. Stand up now if you already aren’t! Imagine you have a helium balloon pulling your head up towards the sky! Feel how your posture is “tall” when you imagine this sensation, nice long spine and chest up. Now, next time you lace up, remember this before you start running, continue to check yourself as you run. This image of the balloon pulling my head up is always helpful to me and it reminds me to run “tall”. Do this next time you go out and run, especially helpful on those easy runs and towards the end of a long run as these are the times when our running posture tends to deteriorate, give yourself a few periodical running form checks. Do this let’s say every couple of miles.

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Questions about your running posture

• How is your head position?
• Is it at 0 degrees and sitting nicely atop your spine?
• Is it leaning forward? Do your shoulders feel rounded because of your head? If so, get it back to that lovely position and let that balloon pull it upwards!

Fixing the head position is one of the easiest and quickest ways to become a more efficient runner, and by more efficient we mean being able to run faster, for longer, using less energy.

If you can continue to keep that head up, keeping your eyes focused on the horizon (ok trail runners calm your boots, you actually only need to scan the ground in front of you every 5 seconds, the brain remembers enough information in this time to stop you from falling on your face! I heard this great piece of information from Shane Benzie in his book The Lost Art of Running), and run “tall”, the net effect down the rest of your body, all the way to your feet is quite phenomenal!!

You should (will!) find yourself running far more efficiently and more relaxed, as well as the added bonus of reducing your chance of injury!

Conclusion

In conclusion, working with a running coach can greatly assist you in achieving the best running posture. Their expertise and guidance can help you understand the importance of proper form, identify any areas of improvement, and provide personalized techniques to enhance your running technique. By partnering with a running coach, you can develop a strong foundation, improve your efficiency, and reduce the risk of injuries. Embrace the power of a great running posture with the support of a knowledgeable running coach, and let it propel you towards your fitness goals. Lace up your shoes, stand tall, and hit the road with confidence!

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Now go run hard! And remember, if you ever want to talk about the potential you can reach by taking on the services of a running coach then do get in touch by hitting that enquiry button