Last weekend I went to a local shoe store, Runner’s Den.

I attended the *free Good Form Running clinic, which is a class where you learn about good running form.  The title is kind of self-explanatory, I know. Anyway, this class was great and if there happens to be anything similar in your area I highly recommend it.

In the class the instructor  explained what Good Form Running is, then showed some clips of runners and making note of their form and foot strike. (I originally learned about foot strike in Chi Running, so it was great to hear something familiar). Then the class (limited to 12 people) went outside to run and be recorded. We took turns running a short distance, then ran the same distance barefoot.  We were introduced to a little gadget called a metronome that allowed us to hear a beat, then we ran a further distance along to that beat.  When we went back inside to watch the clips, the instructor was sure to stop at every second to make note of each runners’ form. Everything from our body lean, the shoulders, hands, hips, and of course the foot strike.  It’s very interesting to watch yourself run, nonetheless to be corrected. The class was not offending at all. It was very informative.  The purpose of good form running is to reduce strain, and finding an easier way to run to prevent injury.  I learned a lot! If you have an opportunity to be a part of a similar class – then do it.