Leaning Forwards versus Bending Forwards
Firstly, let me preface my following comments by saying that running technique isn’t a one size fit’s all subject (for example the heel striking vs midfoot striking debate). Every runner is different. However, we are all bound by the same laws of physics! As such, there are aspects of good running technique, such as posture, which will commonly apply to the vast majority of runners and triathletes.
The most important thing to appreciate with reference to running posture is that gravity can either work for you or against you. When good running posture enables you to engage gravity and use it to your advantage, you get the feeling of controlled falling forward and developing “free speed”. In contrast if your running posture is poor, you end up fighting against gravity to push yourself off the ground.
Image courtesy of ChiRunning (I’m not a ChiRunning Instructor)
So what constitutes good running posture? There are many elements from head to toe, in all three planes which on a segmental level interact to create a balanced posture. For the sake of this article I’m going to focus on what commonly occurs around the hips and pelvis – and what that then creates above and below.
Arguably the most important factor in achieving correct running posture is the slight forward lean… Not “whether” a slight forward lean is achieved, but “how”.
We’ve all seen runners who look tired and laboured as they bend forwards from the waist as they run. Contrast this image with one of a runner who remains straight, long and strong from head-to-toe, achieving a whole-body forwards lean from ankles upwards.
The difference between the two postures: alignment. The runner who bends forwards from the waist, flexing at the hips and losing alignment will tend to sit their butt backward to counter balance their upper body’s forward position, a result of weak glutes and poor core strength. This “sat back” posture often results in an over-striding style, increasing braking forces and impact as the foot lands way ahead of the centre of mass. Due to the way in which the hips and pelvis are sat back behind the point of initial contact, the effect of falling forwards and using gravity can’t be achieved. Instead, more energy is expended to push-off from stride to stride.
In contrast, keeping your body in alignment, by maintaining a whole body forward lean from ankles upwards (keeping hips and pelvis from sitting back) will move your body mass forwards, closer to over the top of where the foot makes it’s initial contact. This will vastly decrease braking forces and impact. The slight forwards lean of the whole body in alignment from head-to-toe will bring your centre of mass up and over the top of your base of support (foot), enabling gravity to pull you forwards as you begin to “fall” forwards.
Hey presto – increased forwards momentum for minimal effort!
What cues and imagery works for you to keep your posture on the run? How do you look compared to the picture above? Leave a comment below!
Good tips, I try to use this posture when running downhill, but never thought of it being a standard running position. When I’m running I try to concentrate on keeping my shoulders back and down, my chest forward, and then pick my knees up high and kick my feet out behind me. Just those four adjustments make me run around 30secs per mile quicker than when I’m not thinking about it!
Funny. That is what Pose Method of Running, Chi Running and the Rest of the “Gurus” are teaching. So after all they are not so wrong and not a bunch of lunatics as often called in running forums. Cheers. janedoemuc
Funnily enough I believe that they are photos of Denny Dreyer (Chi Running) in action!
Good spot Chris!
Simple and awesome quick tip, I’ll work on adopting this posture 100% now. I have read about the “falling forward” technique a few times before in other places, but this post with the two simple pictures and 3 simple paragraphs VERY effectively explains it. Thank you!
A fun(ny looking?) way to fall forward is to pretend your Superman or Batman and use both your arms to throw your cape behind you, extending your arms all the way back behind you!
I probably run just like the second image…