You read that you should run barefoot, then you read that barefoot running is awful for you. You hear that you should never run because it is too hard on the body, then you hear that you should run as much as you can make time for because it is one of the best forms of cardio…Really? I mean what are you supposed to do, right? Who do you listen to? Don’t worry I feel you. It’s not that I have an answer, but I definitely have my opinion and what I think and feel you should do.
When it comes to running there is no right or wrong answer. You know your body the best and so it is up to you to decide what method, what form and who you want to listen to when it comes to running advice and program design. I could say that there is only one right answer, and that is listening to me 
but I will allow you to make that executive decision on your own based on how you feel and what you think is best for YOU, that is the key.
In this particular blog I would like to focus on running form. Will EVERY book you read about running form list these same things, no! Will these work for you? I believe so, but don’t take my word for it, give it a try and that doesn’t mean once, try it out for a month or so and see what happens. Why not?
When it comes to running form I believe in 4 easy steps –
1. Having a slight forward lean from the hips NOT the shoulders, there is a BIG difference!
2. Landing on your midfoot in front of your center of gravity, not heal striking and not landing on your toes!
3. Keeping your arms at a relaxed 90 degree angle by your hips, not crossing your body but swinging forward and back!
4. Cadence – Having a LONG stride and not a BOUNCE, lifing your foot right when it lands like you are gliding!
Focus on mastering these 4 things when it comes to running, and let me add, running on flat ground because when it comes to hill running form changes, and you will run safer, longer and faster!!
Before you go out and try it, because running is one of those things we often think we can just go out and do with no direction or coaching, I beg to differ, remember to first put on a pair of running shoes that has been fitted to your foot and not a pair that you just purchased on line because they looked cute. In that case your knees might suffer, your feet might hurt and in the end you will blame my 4 steps of running form rather than your poorly thought out shoe purchase
Happy Running!
Yours truly,
Running Coach Timmie