Learn How To Start Running?

Answer 1

Start Running - Running Technique

Running is a fundamental part of healthy living. Making a habit of running is good for strengthening both your mind and body. The first step to starting up a regular running program is mastering the correct running technique. How a person runs makes a difference on how running impacts their body. Learning all the nuances involved with running is important enough that coaches and athletes will spend countless hours perfecting running technique.

A novice runner does not need to focus on fine tuning the details at first as much as simply learning how to put together an effective running program. Before running, it is important to spend at least five minutes warming up. Walking is a good warm-up exercise. Beginning runners should start out in alternating intervals of two minute runs and two minute walks. They should repeat these intervals approximately three times each and end with a five minute walk to cool down. The intervals can increase as the runner's body gets acclimated to running.

Beginning runners should learn proper technique without stressing out too much over perfecting their running. It takes time for any runner to hone their running style and, in the beginning, their body will default to a gait where it feels most comfortable. The best idea is to focus on one thing at a time until every aspect becomes second nature.

Aspects of proper running technique

Feet: Running well requires pushing off the ground with maximum force. A runner should strike the ground around their mid-foot. The strike zone needs to be on the outside of the arch instead of the toes or heels. This allows the foot to be propelled forward by the calf muscles and eliminates leg lifting and heel dragging.

Back: A runner should keep their back straight and not hunch over while running. This helps them to maintain optimal lung capacity and creates a longer stride.

Arms: It is important for a runner to hold each arm up about 80 degrees from the rest of their body and move them in a forward and backward motion. Hands should form a closed fist like they are holding an egg and trying not to break it.

Head: A runner's head represents several pounds of weight. Keeping their head upright is important. It helps them to see what is going on around them and it helps them limit the amount of strain they put on their neck muscles.