Men mock us for 'running like a girl'. You know the image I'm talking about - a woman or girl trying to cover ground quickly but in reality, remarkably resembling a knock-kneed 20's flapper for all the good she is doing.
I have seen many women running, both in the gym and on the road. I must start this blog by saying that I do not have the best running style, but I have worked really hard on improving certain aspects of my style, in order to be more efficient and use the energy I have, to run a greater distance or in a quicker time, rather than wasting it on body parts that aren't going in the same direction I am heading! But I must point out that some very successful women runners have very different running styles so if these changes are uncomfortable, try to find the way that suits you best without expending excess energy. I can only say that I have worked on these myself and feel way better for them.
To me, it is all about straight lines and right angles. I'm going to start with the arms, as because this is probably the single biggest improvement you can make. You should never let your wrists flop about uncontrolledly while you run, but rather try to hold them in a straight line as an extension of your forearms. Just think of all the energy you can conserve by keeping your hands slightly more controlled, rather than having them flap all over the place like you're in a panic!
Likewise, your hands should keep your fingers in line, as if you were loosely holding a stick or baton - if you are too rigid about this you will lock up other muscles in your body, but again, keeping them in one place means you don't have to use energy bringing them back to centre all the time.
Another benefit of the more controlled movements is that you can use your arms to pump up your momentum when you are tiring - going up a hill or even getting you through the second-last kilometre of your run, when the end still seems quite far away. Focusing on your arms also takes your attention off your legs, which helps!
Then a MAJOR energy saver, especially for women, is to keep those hands and arms facing forward at all times, rather than 'crossing' over your body in front of you. This is probably the biggest thing you can do to run better - just think of how the sideways impetus cuts across your forward movement, and closes down the lungs. So if you keep your forearms at right angles to your body, as much as possible, that helps to impel you forward, rather than cutting across your forward movement, and it does save you energy.
The same principles apply to your legs - knees and ankles should be in line, and facing forward - no knees held together and the ankles pointing outwards, as this can seriously serve to unbalance you as you run. feet shouldn't wobble around much when they are off the ground, and definitely not when they are on the ground!
As for posture, try to keep your ears, shoulders and hips in line and at right angles to the road - as upright as possible given you are moving forward. Your bum and tummy should be pulled in as much as you can - this helps to keep you in line too.
If you can ever find a gym where the treadmill is up against a mirror, you may find it helpful to watch your style as you run, and spot where it could be improved. Similarly if you can get someone to video you if you run on the road, that could help (just think - you get to star in your very own Chariots of Fire movie!)
Here's hoping you have fun and enjoy your new found energy levels!
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