Correct Your Form, Before It Is Too Late.

If you have ever had the misfortune to see me run, you'll chuckle and understand why I say "misfortune" (you were also probably wincing a little as I passed by).Unfortunately, growing up in a running family has not blessed me with flawless running technique... at all. For those of you lucky enough to have never witnessed a race that I have been in, I'll help you visualize my "form" going into high school. Picture a person sitting with a straight back. Maintaining the angle of their back, they were then coaxed into imaginary alpine ski boots, which make one sort of in a sitting position, and provide no alternative to taking heel-slapping steps. Add some arms awkwardly bouncing at 160 degree angles at the sides and a stationary ponytail and you've got me. The past three years I have really been working on my arms. I've even run with giant branches in my hands to remind me that I've got arms that require more acute-angled swings. I haven't entirely corrected my arms, but I'm actually using them somewhat now. Bit of a hypocrite, really, as my favorite cheering phrase is use your arms, they will carry your legs! Anyway, the point of this post is to let you know that if you are naturally a sit-runner like myself, that you really must work on leaning forward. I gained thirty strides on my mother in two minutes by leaning forward (it corrects the heel landing).
KKNW, Addie

Here's a wonderful demo on good running form.