I've tried it before and it just hurts. Not the "good" kind of hurt either.
I guess being 5' 10" and 215 lbs isn't condusive to sound distance running theory either.
However, if you like to run for distance or time, here are three key points to help improve your form and make your runs more enjoyable:
- Run in Place with Dumbbells. Grab a pair of light dumbbells and stand with one foot about 24 inches in front of the other. Now do a smooth and controlled running motion with your arms, keeping your elbows bent 90 degrees and your feet stationary. Continue for 30 seconds, then reverse your stance and repeat. Arm movements are important in locomotion--if you doubt it, try running with your arms straight down at your sides. More powerful arm movements lead to more powerful locomotion. This is why sprinters do a lot of upper-body strength training, and why any runner can improve performance with this exercise.
- Listen To Your Feet. To be a better runner, you need quiet feet. If you hear them hitting the ground, you're not running well. You don't want to be pounding the pavement. That's too hard on your joints. Keep your feet close to the ground, using a quick, shuffling stride.
- Make the Grade 1 Percent. If you want to mimic road running on a treadmill, raise the incline to 1 percent before starting your run. Researchers found that this is the degree of treadmill elevation that most closely approximates running outdoors on the road.
That's it. Now go run.
God bless,
Steve
