If you are a running enthusiast, or planning to join a long distance run, you need to learn the proper running technique because it teaches you how to run faster and improve your performance.

A good running technique can also prevent serious leg injuries which often happen to athletes who were not prepared for short distance runs and/or marathons.

There are five important key elements you need to consider when running. These include the proper lifting of your toes, heels and knees, the extension of your legs and the ‘clawing’ technique.

However, it is difficult to improve each element especially when you are actually running. That’s why a good marathon training plan can help you isolate and improve these elements.

Running Technique For Beginners

If it is your first time to join a marathon or a running event, you need to familiarize yourself with the different running techniques for beginners. One of them is the proper way to breathe while running. It allows you to inhale sufficient amount of oxygen needed for your body. However, you should not take deep breaths when running because that will only disrupt your breathing pace.

Another running technique for beginners is to maintain proper posture by keeping your upper body as upright and relaxed as possible. Proper posture can save you energy because and increase your oxygen intake because your chest will be more open and the balance over your legs will be more evenly distributed

Running Technique For Long Distance

Whether you’re planning to run a 5-kilometer, 10-kilometer, half-marathon or marathon, it is important to select the right marathon training programme for you.

The best programmes have information on running technique for long distance events, and will help you reach the peak of your physical fitness. Recent studies show that most marathon injuries are caused by unprepared athletes and/or improper running techniques. These injuries include the runners knee, ankle and calf strain injury, shin splints and hamstring: runners knee is characterized by a pain in the knee and it can only occur when you try to run; ankle and calf injury occurs because of poor running techniques and lack of stretching; while shin splits and hamstring are common on long distance runners.

Running Techniques To Get Faster

One of the advantages you can get from a marathon training programme is learning different running techniques to get faster.

You will be able to slash seconds off your running time and maximize your running speed. Some of the techniques you will learn are the correct breathing speed, the proper clawing and striding, and the right running form.

If you want run faster, you need to have breathing exercises to improve your breathing ability. This can be done by breathing fast for 30 seconds; first by breathing in and out with your nose and then with your mouth. Do this for several steps and work your way up to 1 minute. Take deep breaths, but don’t hold your breath. This exercise will improve the way you provide oxygen to your muscles.