If you’ve ever worked with a coach or physical therapist, you might have noticed something. Athletes in sports like golf and tennis get a ton of attention when it comes to form. They’ll spend hours tweaking a swing or a serve, breaking down every movement to maximize efficiency and reduce injury risk. But when it comes to runners? The conversation is often way simpler: "Just run."
The problem with this mindset is that running has just as much to gain from a focus on form. If you're a runner looking to perform better and stay injury-free, understanding why other sports get so much attention for technique can help you see what you're missing—and why it's time to change that.
Why Golfers and Tennis Players Get the Focus
There’s a reason coaches and PTs put so much emphasis on movement in golf and tennis. These sports involve complex, skill-based movements that require precise coordination. A small adjustment in a golfer’s swing can mean the difference between a perfect shot and one that veers off course. A tennis player with improper technique might struggle with power, accuracy, or even develop chronic injuries.
Because these movements are highly specialized and don’t come naturally, they require constant refinement. Coaches and therapists see immediate payoffs when they adjust a golfer’s posture or a tennis player’s footwork. The improvements are visible, measurable, and can completely change an athlete’s game.
Why Running Gets Overlooked
Running, on the other hand, is something humans have been doing for thousands of years. It feels natural. Most people assume that if you put one foot in front of the other, you’re good to go. And since running doesn’t require hitting a target or controlling a piece of equipment, it’s often treated as a purely endurance-based sport rather than a skill-based one.
But here’s the truth: Running is a skill. And just like golf or tennis, small tweaks to your form can make a massive difference in how efficiently you move, how much energy you save, and how likely you are to stay injury-free.
The Case for Running Form
Every time your foot hits the ground, your body absorbs impact. Every stride you take affects your efficiency. The way you hold your arms, the angle of your torso, and even how you breathe can either work for you or against you.
Runners who take the time to refine their form can:
- Reduce their risk of injury
- Improve their running economy (using less energy for the same pace)
- Increase speed and endurance
- Feel better during and after their runs
The problem is that most runners don’t get this kind of coaching. They’re told to train harder, run more miles, or just “listen to their body.” But without a solid foundation of movement efficiency, all the extra work just piles on more stress to the body.
Work With a Coach Who Gets It
If you’re a runner, you deserve the same attention to form that golfers and tennis players get. Running is more than just putting in the miles—it's about moving well so you can run stronger, longer, and with less pain.
As a Chi Running instructor and coach, I help runners fine-tune their form so they can run with more ease, efficiency, and confidence. Whether you're struggling with injuries, feeling stuck in your progress, or just want to know if your form is holding you back, I can help you dial in the small changes that lead to big results.
Let’s stop treating running as just a mileage game and start approaching it as the skill it truly is. Reach out, and let’s work together to make every step count.