There is no single prescription for efficient running; we are all put together
differently. There are general principles of body form that can be applied to
all runners. Be sensitive to your own structure and abilities and never force
a particular running style on yourself that doesn't feel right. Sprinters lift
their knees high. Endurance runners do not. Sprinters must achieve maximum stride
length, leg speed and power. You can't run very long like that. You should
also avoid a high back kick. Increasing speed in long runs comes from a quicker
ankle action; high knee lift and back kick will slow this down and divert power
up or behind you instead of pushing you down the road. A very slight knee lift
is the result of an effective pushoff and will help keep your back kick from
going to high.
Shoe-In Getting the right running shoes is easy with this guide to the most popular category, cushion-stability trainers. For 80% of runners, a running shoe with a little stability does the trick.
Run Your Mouth What makes running so great is its simplicity. You can get agreat workout in as little as 30 minutes, can do it almostanytime and anywhere, and virtually the only expense is apair of good shoes.
