"It's your form that gets you to the finish line," said San Diego Track Club coach Paul Greer during GOTRIbal's 2010 conference and retreat. Running form is especially important when you're tired.
Despite a no-show from traditionally sunny skies, Greer's upbeat, positive coaching style put attendees at ease as they tried movements, drills and exercises on the lawn at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa in San Diego.
Here are three simple tricks Greer teaches his athletes to keep them relaxed and in good form while on the run.
Lightly press your thumb and forefinger together. This gives you something to focus on so you don't clench your fists and tighten up especially when you're tired. Tension spreads--tight fists turn into tight shoulders and tight shoulders tend to pull your body backwards.
Don't cross your arms across your body. Keep your elbows at a 90-degree angle and swing your arms back to front while keeping your shoulders relaxed. Your arms should travel up to your chest and down to your hips like your hand is reaching into your pocket for your keys.
Envision yourself standing tall. When we're tired, we tend to slump a little and our stride length changes. Picture a string coming out the top of your head and pulling you up toward the sky.