What to focus on when running? You want to limit the amount of thinking you do on how you run while you run. Doing so will give you more mental stamina for running.
Many runners who learn forefoot running may struggle with the mental aspect of learning a new running technique, and certainly, over-thinking how you run while you run can be distressing.
Over-thinking uses more brain power, which is energetically draining. With that said, think about one thing at a time during running. Do this, and you’ll get great results and you’ll crush your training.
What to Focus on When Running
Focusing on too many instructions on proper technique while running results in a flurry of neuronal activity that turns running into an unusually challenging task. The brain is very energy demanding which is why you want to essentially turn it off when running –the less you think, the less energy it eats up.
- Over thinking your mechanics, or too much internal focus of attention, impairs movement efficiency and increases energy consumption.
Ultimately, concentrating on multiple things at once, especially when learning a new running style, leads to confusion and tension. This is known as paralysis by over-analysis.
Why Think About One Thing Only
In my opinion, the only thing you should focus on is relaxing. Don’t worry about arm-swing, speed, torso rotation, shoulder rotation, and other technical stuff. Why?
The brain functions as a serial processor, which means it can only process information one bit at a time. So, over-thinking your running mechanics while running will eventually lead to premature mental and physical fatigue.
What You Should Focus On
To avoid becoming overwhelmed and frustrated, allow yourself one thought related to mechanics when running.
Here are some things to focus on:
- landing softly
- relaxing your feet
- swing your feet behind you
- landing just under your toes
- push forward with your torso
- keep chin down
- fully relax your legs
- bend your knees
- point your knees straight in the direction you’re heading
Chi Running and Pose Running also give great tips on aspects of your form you should focus on while running. In the meantime, see my Facebook page, where you’ll find all kinds of tips on forefoot running, barefoot running and minimalist running.
In my YouTube video below, I go into more detail about how to get more mental stamina for running:
More From Run Forefoot:
Forefoot Running Tips from Alberto Salazar
Cushioned Running Shoes Jeopardize Your Safety
Proven Benefits of Barefoot Running
The Main Cause of Running Injuries
Run Forefoot Because You are Faster than You Think!
Bretta Riches
BSc Neurobiology; MSc Biomechanics candidate, ultra minimalist runner & founder of RunForefoot. I was a heel striker, always injured. I was inspired by the great Tirunesh Dibaba to try forefoot running. Now, I'm injury free. This is why I launched Run Forefoot, to advocate the health & performance benefits of forefoot running and to raise awareness on the dangers of heel striking, because the world needs to know.
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