Head Position While Running!

by James
(Malaysia)

How should your head be while running?
Should you be looking down at the ground, straight ahead, or slightly up?


Answer by Dominique:

Hi James,
Good question. Not something we normally pay much attention to.

The short answer is: you should be facing straight ahead.

Middle and long distance runner Haile Gebreselassie with a straight posture

Why?
It is part of a good running technique. A good running posture.

Your posture should be straight.
Good straight, upright running will do a number of things for you:

Running becomes easier

Increasing speed becomes easier

Breathing becomes easier

It prevents injuries

When your head is tilted forward and your shoulders are slumping, it is harder to breathe, harder to increase speed because you can't lift your legs up high enough etc.

Wish to improve your running posture?
Then ask a friend or family member to make a videotape of you, study how you run and make improvements.

Sprinter Michael Johnson with a straight posture

James, hope this helps you become a better runner.
Good luck.
Cheers,
Dominique