Want to Run More Efficient? Be Patient and Practice!

We all want to improve our running form.  Well, I should say most want to improve their running form.  For those of you who do, be patient and practice.  Simple right?  Only those who show patience and practice proper form, will come out the other side as a more efficient runner.

What does that mean, a more efficient runner? Why is it so important to improve running biomechanics?  Simple, you have a better chance of getting injured running every other day than you do strength training every other day.  Yes, you have a better chance of getting injured putting one foot in front of the other than you do throwing weights around.  Or playing tennis, baseball or golf for that matter.  Doesn't seem right, does it?  

Be patient.  Becoming successful at anything does not happen over night.  Through perseverance and dedication comes success.  Each training session should be goal oriented.  Focus on the key components you need to work on to improve.  For example,
one day you may focus purely on foot strike.  Landing on a midfoot or more parallel to the ground.  The next session may be focused on upperbody mechanics.  Staying tall and keeping your head up.  Always have a plan or mission for each training session.

Practice.  If you want to be really good at playing the piano, what do you have to do?  Play the piano... lots.  Improve your backhand?  Hit backhand after backhand with perfect form.  Running is no different.  Practice your perfect running form techniques and drills every training session.  Have a gameplan for your warm-up, main set and cool-down drills.  Practice this consistently and you will become a more efficient runner.

How do you know where to start?  It's recommended that you have your form analyzed so you know what your inefficiencies are.  Once you have an idea of what needs to be fixed, you can perform the correct form running drills, flexibility and strength exercises.