Slow Running and Proper Form

by Larry
(West Warwick, RI)

Hi, I'm Larry, 31 years old, and have been running off and on for 4 years, though not consistently. My question is this:
When I do my longer slow runs, I feel that my form is poor and I feel like I may be just shuffling along, and not really running. If I pick up my feet more and increase my stride, then I feel like I'm going too fast for my slow run and have to slow back down to my shuffle pace. How do I run slower, yet still keep form?


Answer by Dominique:


Larry,
Thanks for your running training question.
You have to make sure that your long run is not that slow that really you start shuffling. Generally, your long run is a bit slower than easy running, but not that much.

So, one piece of advice would be to pick up your speed a little.
Another piece of advice is to not focus on your legs only. There is more to good posture. At least as important, possible more important is that your head and your back need to be straight. Also see this question about posture while running.

Hope this helps.
Good luck with your running.
Cheers,
Dominique