Running Form: The big three: posture, stride and bounce.

I have discovered that when runners have problems, they tend to occur in three areas: Posture, stride and bounce. And the problems tend to be specific to the individual, occurring in specific areas. Fatigue brings on most of the problems relating to form. A slight over stride (even a fraction of an inch), can increase tightness and muscle weakness at the end of a run. As a tired body “wobbles”, other muscle groups try to keep the body on course, but are not designed for this, and can be pushed into soreness or injury. If you feel relaxed and running is easy even at the end of a run – you’re probably running correctly. 

Jeff Galloway smiling near a lake with city skyline in the distance.
Jeff Galloway

Jeff Galloway, US Olympian and creator of the Run-Walk-Run method, has helped over 350,000 runners achieve their goals through his innovative training programs. As Runner's World's monthly columnist and author of North America's best-selling running book, Jeff has spent over 50 years sharing his expertise and continues to conduct running seminars worldwide as runDisney's Official Training Consultant.

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