Want to run faster? Then maybe you should relax. That’s the upshot of an article over on Active.com that Heather recently sent to me. Obviously, no amount of relaxation will offset a lack of proper training, but I’ve definitely noticed that I run better when I’m relaxed.
The article also listed some specific tips for relaxing on the run:
- Slacken your jaw and let your eyes soft and droop
- Keep your upper back perpendicular to the running surface
- Make sure your hands aren’t clenched
- Focus on a smooth stride
- Shake out your arms, relax your shoulders
- As you run, repeat the word “calm” or “relax”
- “Don’t apply power; float with strength”
For me, tense shoulders are one of my biggest problems when I run. Now that I’m aware of it, I simply raise and drop my shoulders a few times when I notice that I’m starting to tense up.
What about you? Is your body tense when you run? Any tips for relaxing?
Source: Active.com
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Thanks for the mention! Active.com has many good articles and not too many that aren’t good. I get them in my Facebook feed and others in my e-mail. I’m sure there are other ways as well if you’re interested.