Thoughts of a Run Form newbie...

On Monday afternoon I went for a run, after getting some pointers from Eric during the group chat (which was great!). I was focused, my mind working probably harder than my legs and feet on run form, visualizing and feeling (trying to at least) based on Eric's guidelines (hopefully I was doing something right). It felt amazing. But than I thought, it was too good to be true. So this afternoon I went for another 'run form' run. Though it was hot and humid, I felt good! again! I run 2 miles focused (with a 'stop' after one mile for a minute of 'marching'), until I reached my hill (need to do hill work...).

I used to go out for a run to clear my head, now my head is so busy with run form (and my cool impossible), that nothing from my crazy day at work can even sneak in...- perfect!!

Here are two thoughts that I'd love to get some feedback from those of you who are more experienced in run form...

1 - making an effort not to hear my feet 'slapping' the ground as I run...

2 - trying to keep my feet parallel and aligned with my hips instead of having one in front of the other when hitting the ground, kind of keeping each feet in a straight line when running (similar to running in place I guess) - does that makes sense? It feels like it allows my feet to hit the ground forefoot to heel better, I think....

Thanks in advance.

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Comment by Yael on June 21, 2013 at 7:59pm: Rich, I think your word 'gently' is exactly what I was trying to achieve the other day. I'll think about it tomorrow morning during my run. Thanks!

Comment by Yael on June 21, 2013 at 7:54pm: Becca, thanks for the reinforcement! Indeed I'm doing all the strength training, which to me seems to make sense with the overall approach (and my lack of patience to the gym...). I guess I just need to give it time.

Comment by Becca Thorne on June 21, 2013 at 2:00pm: I'm not experienced, but one thing I've found invaluable - particularly as a mother of 2 - is hip strengthening exercises. You may well already be doing them! They've (amongst other things of course) made such a huge difference to my over-all posture as I run and ability to sustain decent alignment over longer mileage. I think those and really good calf stretches are what I've found key.

Comment by Rich Warne on June 20, 2013 at 10:31am: Slapping feet - try to visualise yourself skimming over the ground, almost as if you are only stroking the ground very gently with your feet