Slow Running and Proper Form

by Larry
(West Warwick, RI)

Hi, I'm Larry, 31 years old, and have been running off and on for 4 years, though not consistently. My question is this:
When I do my longer slow runs, I feel that my form is poor and I feel like I may be just shuffling along, and not really running.


If I pick up my feet more and increase my stride, then I feel like I'm going too fast for my slow run and have to slow back down to my shuffle pace. How do I run slower, yet still keep form?


Answer by Dominique:


Larry,
Thanks for your running training question.
You have to make sure that your long run is not that slow that really you start shuffling. Generally, your long run is a bit slower than easy running, but not that much.

So, one piece of advice would be to pick up your speed a little.
Another piece of advice is to not focus on your legs only. There is more to good posture. At least as important, possible more important is that your head and your back need to be straight. Also see this question about posture while running.


Hope this helps.
Good luck with your running.
Cheers,
Dominique

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Running Training Helpline.



Like this page:


Share this page:
Follow Best Running Tips:


What's New?

  1. In the Army - Improving my 2 Mile Time

    I am a 36 year old male who just joined the army. I have not run any long distance so I tried on my own to train and was doing ok but my times are still

    Read more

  2. Marathon Diet - Improve Nutrition to do Better at the Marathon

    I have got a question about my marathon diet. I have been an athlete all my life; mostly a runner, but cycle long distances sometimes. I am training

    Read more

  3. Beginners Running Program 3 - Go from 0 to 30 Minutes of Running in 12 Weeks

    beginners-running-program-03.jpg
    The third beginners running program of Best Running Tips might be the best one. It is definitely the most popular. Get from couch to 30 minutes of solid running in only 12 weeks!

    Read more

  4. Calories Burned Calculator - Calculate the Calories Burned While Running with This Calculator

    This calories burned calculator calculates the calories burned while running, based on your weight and the distance you ran.

    Read more

  5. Asthmatic Non-Runner With a Need to Run - 1.5 Miles in 13 Minutes

    Truth be told I am NOT a runner. I can walk a 14 minute mile all day. But running, not me. I have had asthma since I was a child - severe through all

    Read more

  6. Second Half Marathon in a Month - Should I Run It or Not?

    Hi, I ran a half marathon a month ago, but have not done any great distances since, 6 miles max. I'm thinking of doing a half marathon this Sunday

    Read more

  7. Running a 5k - Can I Be Faster at 30 Than I Was at 18?

    I started running at 13 in high school. I ran cross-country, indoor and outdoor track. My track coach was very informed and my PRs were 800 - 2:22,

    Read more

  8. Faster Minute Mile for 5K races

    I'm 40 years old and I started to run consistently four months ego. My running pace went from 9 minutes miles to 7:30 minute miles in a 5k. Is it realistic

    Read more

  9. I Need a Good Marathon Running Program

    I am devastated. I ran my second marathon last weekend. I ran a marathon six months ago as well, but at about the 19-20 mile mark my legs cramped up...

    Read more

  10. Is 20 to 30 Training Miles Enough to Run a Half Marathon

    I have been a committed runner for a year and a half now and have completed two half marathons with over a dozen 10k races! I have been keeping running

    Read more