How to Improve Your Running Stride

This article will help you run with less effort.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Running equipment
• Place to run

1. 

   Be sure to always warm up before a run. I discourage stretching before a run. Muscles don't stretch well while they are cold. I would rather jog slow for roughly half a mile, then do some light stretching before a run.

2. 

   While running at your normal pace, take notice to how high your feet come up behind you. When you feel yourself starting to fatigue, shorten your stride, but keep the same speed. You'll instantly feel a relief in certain muscles.

3. 

   Continue this shorter stride for a few hundred yards. Keep proper form (see my article on running form) and control your breathing. Now regain your normal stride.

4. 

   When feeling fatigued again, instead of just shortening your stride, limit the height of how high your feet come off the ground to a few inches. It might look weird, but it is very helpful in resting the main running muscles without sacrificing speed.

5. 
   Don't wait til you look like this!

   Switch between shortening your stride and limiting the height of your feet when your legs become tired. This tip works best when fatigue just starts to set in. Don't wait until your legs are rubber to try and switch back and forth.

Tips & Warnings

• You'll be using different muscles when first starting this, so you may become a little sore in areas that normally don't bother you. Nothing to be concerned about, just a precaution.

[soanyway]

on 12/28/2008 You must have learned this in Boot Camp! Cause it is something I have never read b-4! thanks and I hope you are doing well. Thanks for fighting for our country! I have recom'd you.