Since publishing this article on the ForestVanceTraining.com blog a couple of weeks ago:
=> How to Add Running to Your Workouts
I’ve had countless folks tell me that they’re planning on / have already added a couple of days per week of running into their workout routine.
Awesome!
While that article made a strong case for adding a couple of days per week of running into your training program … and I gave a couple of simple interval workouts you could do to get started … I didn’t really get into any tips on running form.
Now – you can get VERY sophisticated with this … but today, I’m just going to touch on three simple tricks that will help you run faster, get injured less and have more enjoyable runs overall.
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At the upcoming FVT Ultimate Challenge Workout, we have a 5k around the Land Park area as part of the event … so you’ll NEED to add running into your workout mix to help you get ready …
And I know for a lot of folks – myself included – physical challenges like this, and the training involved to get ready, is a GREAT way to give yourself a bit of extra motivation to get in shape, and be more consistent with the workouts.
Click the link below to register now:
=> August 1st, 2015 FVT Ultimate Challenge Workout
And do it ASAP if you want in – you’ll need to register by Thursday the 23rd if you want the free T-shirt included with your registration!
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3 Simple Tricks to Improve Your Running Form
1 – Cadence
Cadence is the number of steps you take per minute. The “ideal” number is thought to be about 180 reps per minute.
With a proper cadence, you’ll reduce impact forces on your legs, improve efficiency and reduce injury risk.
The next time you go run, count the number of times your foot lands in a minute, then double it (to account for both legs). If your step rate is less than 180, work to increase it by just a bit – maybe 5% – every two or three weeks, until your cadence increases.
2 – Posture
Leaning forward from the waist or slouching is not ideal when you are running.
What you actually want is a slight forward lean from the ANKLES … but this should happen without even trying.
Focus on running tall with a straight, erect posture.
3 – Avoid over-striding
Ideally, you want your foot to make contact with the ground directly underneath your body, rather than far out in front of it.
Think about putting your foot down underneath your hips when it strikes the ground.
This reduces impact on your legs, cuts injury risk and makes for a more fluid, efficient stride.
So there you have three simple tips that will help you run faster, get injured less and have more enjoyable runs overall.
Focus on these fundamentals, and see the benefits!
– Forest Vance
ForestVanceTraining.com
PS – At the upcoming FVT Ultimate Challenge Workout, we have a 5k around the Land Park area as part of the event … so you’ll NEED to add running into your workout mix to help you get ready.
And I know for a lot of folks – myself included – physical challenges like this, and the training involved to get ready, is a GREAT way to give yourself a bit of extra motivation to get in shape, and be more consistent with the workouts.
Click the link below to register now:
=> August 1st, 2015 FVT Ultimate Challenge Workout
And do it ASAP if you want in … you’ll need to register by Thursday the 23rd if you want the free T-shirt included with your registration!