TAKE IT SLOW

Anyone can be a runner with this back-to-basics approach to hitting the pavement

Ever started running but struggled to stick at it? Perhaps you thought you were a bad runner because you were too slow. Many runners obsess over one stat: speed. Then they either lose motivation because they think they’re not getting faster quickly enough, or they get injured because they’re spending too much time chasing personal bests and no time on technique. The truth is, there’s far more to running than pace.

“There are several components of running, such as gait and posture, that can boost your efficiency,” explains running coach Jules Scudder.

Improving these aspects will make running easier and more enjoyable and you might even speed up without trying. Sound good? Welcome to the slow runner’s club, where we focus on running better, not faster. Follow these rules to nail your technique!

POSTURE

“The ability to maintain good posture in movement helps your body work more efficiently, which means you’ll be able to run for longer before you fatigue,” says Scudder.

It will also reduce your injury risk, as an upright posture recruits the correct muscles as you run, reducing impact on other muscles, joints and ligaments. Finally, it can help you breathe better.

“If you are slouching, your heart and lungs have to work harder to pump blood and get oxygen to your muscles,” Scudder adds.

FIX IT

• RELAX YOUR UPPER BODY Keep your shoulders back and down. This will open up your chest to make breathing easier and allow you to drive your elbows back more effectively, which generates extra power.