What Is Perfect Running Form? | Run Technique Tips For All Runners

Some may say the pros have a ‘perfect running form’, but what makes it so perfect, so easy, so effortless? Mark is here to tackle just that and explore what we mean by perfect running form!

Getting out the door and going for a run is a fairly straightforward affair, in fact, it’s the simplicity of throwing on some shoes and getting outside that appeals to so many of us.

That being said, having some proper run form, well that’s not as easy as it might sound because our unique running mechanics are dependant on our own strength, flexibility and also, how our bodies are built.

Everyone has differing running mechanics, but ultimately, the goal is to run with as little effort as we can muster, be as efficient as possible, and crucially all the while without getting injured! Mark is here to explore what we mean by perfect running form!

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What inspires you to go out and run? Leave us a comment!

[boyinalabcoatboyinalabcoat]

I gotta share this, when you run and start getting out of breath, just think ''this is not out of breath, this is breathing mode b''. This thinking normalizes the harder breathing experienced during cardio, it insanely helped me progress, also try thinking that you are an werewolf after prey or something else you like.

[jamil]

• Look towards the horizon
• Don't push head too far forward
• Don't tense shoulders
• Elbows close to side, relaxed, don't cross imaginary line
• Pull chest upwards
• Make sure foot lands under the center of gravity

[earlgrey]

Buy the most expensive gear. Then pick a hot day right after lunch, just flail your arms wildly, make a lot of noise and yell at people you pass. Also run topless and pour half your water over your head without stopping. And then break down and call an ambulance after 3km and never run again.

Worked perfectly.

[Arwinism]

Learning the proper form, so I can run away from my troubles.

[filippobardazzi]

Simply the best 7 minutes for people who wants to improve his running style. Congrats from italy

[bossnian]

1:14 Upper body Posture (shoulders relaxed, viewing the horizon or 20m in front)
3:08 Posture (Running tall, angled a bit forward, chest out)
4:43 Landing (Mechanics; Under *your* centre of gravity so either midfoot or front foot - heel strike bad

[zainalam]

1:35 head position
1:55 Shoulder
2:35 Arms
4:23 posture
5:08 Landing

[cipherking]

I'm here because I've been in my room for so long I have literally forgotten what it looks like when people run

[kevinspindler]

My running form is reminiscent of a 4 year old running down a steep hill.

[thomasbaker]

Wow! I was getting scared at how little progress I was making and how much it hurt while running. After watching this video and correcting just those little things it feels like I can run forever now. Looking back I saw there were so many mistakes I was making and I'm glad I came across this video!

[davidw]

As a former triathlete and sub 3 hour marathoner, the best running style that benefited me was watching a lot of footage of Greg Welch.

[Jah-qlvv]

My top tip. Do some neck exercises every day morning and night. 3 mins and 6 stretches. You will be amazed what this does to your running posture and how much easier it will "feel" to run faster and more relaxed. Good luck!!!

[williamhealy]

I did my running route without stopping for the first time today
Tryna get in shape
I chose an uphill one to push myself lol

[simplemods]

To bad some of us sit in school 7 Hours straight, Rest In Peace my posture.

[ifonly]

thank you so much for pointing out that heel/midfoot/forefoot striking isn't as important as where the foot lands ie right under your hips. Brigid Kosgei ( female marathon world record holder ) is a heel striker but i've heard she's a decent runner !

[AdhdKP]

I ran I mile on the treadmill with my usual form and my lower back was killing me. I ran another mile with the tips you gave and the pain was 95% gone. Thank you 👍🏾

[Shaggy_M]

Men be like..." If I don't reach the tree before that car I WILL DIE..."

[sudstahgaming]

The reason I run is for fitness weight loss but mainly for mental health and the energy boost, I also find it amazing that a feel like a car when I run I can pretty much get anywhere in my city not that many minutes behind a car, you literally just glide over the floor when you are at fitness.

[xGshikamaru]

Great video! One advice I think people need to be aware of is: be patient and keep working on it, because it takes a lot of time and commitment, bad habits are hard to break. I shaved off more than 30 minutes of my half marathon running time, I'm pretty confident that half of it is just pure fitness but the other half is working on my running technique on and on. The margin looks pretty slim now but I still find stuff to work on like not being too "jumpy" and rolling the feet a bit more.