Neglecting your technique
WORDS: DAMIAN HALL
ERROR #19
SCHOOLGIRL ERRORS
THE LESSON
Bad form is detrimental to performance and can lead to injury
THE TEACHER
Movement specialist and technique coach, Running Reborn’s Shane Benzie
It’s easily done, especially when we’re tired. Towards the end of a long run or a race, good form can go out of the window. We might slouch, the head rolls forward and unknowingly we start over-striding. What’s so bad about that? Over-striding invariably means we’re heel-striking, which means a huge amount of force going through our knees, risking injury. But it’s causing us more problems too (more anon).
Bad form often comes from bad posture in everyday life, which could lead to longterm health issues. Working on good running form, so it becomes natural and habitual, won’t just benefit our running performances and lessen chances of injury, but it may also improve our strength and health when not in our running shoes, too.