Written by Paal Drummond, Physiotherapist Volvat Medical Center, Department of National Theater.
Running as a form of activity has become very popular in recent years, and there is a stream of advice and guidance on how to become better at running. It is not easy to orient yourself in the jungle of all the tips out there, and all the advice may not be as good. All the information can be so overwhelming and confusing for some that they choose not to run.
Running is not difficult; you put one leg in front of the other at a slightly faster pace than walking. Everyone has their style and mostly gets ahead in one way or another.
Running is about using the least possible energy to move as fast as possible forward.
The best advice to become a better runner is simply to run more. There are no shortcuts no matter how good advice you come across, but there are a few simple tips you can take with you out and work on during your run.
- Attitude is important; stretch up and make yourself tall, your hips should move forward so that you do not get a sitting position when you run.
- Look ahead and not down the hill
- Shorten your stride length and increase your frequency, rather than running long strides. The load on the feet and knees is less and you get a more efficient running step that requires less energy
- Relax your shoulders and let your arms swing back and forth, not sideways. Hold approx. 90 degrees in the elbow joint. The hands should be lightly tied.
- Breathe with your stomach
Good trip!
Regards Paal Drummond, Physiotherapist Volvat Medical Center dept. National Theater.
