Natural Running Form

Since running became a sport coaches and trainers have stressed the importance of proper running form as the key to faster times. Though it has always been understood that proper form is the key, until recently there was much debate as to what is proper form.

The concept of running naturally, often reffered to as barefoot style running, or simply barefoot running technique, which enforces the importance of  landing each stride softly with a midfoot or forefoot strike, is gaining traction. Though natural running methods such as the Pose Method have been around since the 70′s, in recent years natural running is getting fast becoming the accepted standard for running guru’s. This is due in part by the increase in university studies concerning natural running technique. Also responsible for the rise in awareness is the popularity of companies such as Chi Running that have helped thousands of people run more efficiently and injury free with their trademarked variations on natural running technique.

Though individual companies that teach natural running technique under various names,  may prefer to stress the differences in their approaches, what is really more important is the tenets that they have in common.

1.  Strike the ground at the midfoot or forefoot rather than the heel or the toes, this reduces braking as well as impact force created with each stride. (Running barefoot or in lightweight shoes with little to no heel lift will encourage this stride.)
2.  With each stride, rather than pushing off the ground, get in the habit of picking up your leg.
3.  Land each stride underneath the hips rather than in front of the body.
4. Run with an upright posture and a slight forward lean.
5. Regardless of pace, maintain a high cadence, with a shortened stride.

Please explore all of these topics further to find your optimal running form.

Here are some videos from those on the forefront of Natural Running.

Natural Running From Newton

Natural running From Merrell

Chi Running