The Secret To Running Easy -- And Where To Do It

They say the eyes are the window to your soul, but yesterday our friends at SELF learned that your arms are the secret to running successfully.

"Wait, I'm supposed to think about my arms when I run?" was my initial thought. Perhaps that's why the runner's high always seemed to elude me… I wasn't running properly!


As the queen of self-doubt when it comes to pounding the pavement I was convinced my form was wrong and that my body just wasn't built to be the runner I so desperately want to be. My goal isn't to be a marathoner, I just want to enjoy running. And since I just recruited a bunch of friends to run a 10K with me in October, my goal is not to embarrass myself!


The team at FiTIST connected me with Terence Gerchberg, aka Coach Amazing and a previous contestant on the reality show I'd most want to be on: The Amazing Race. Oh and he's a pretty legit runner (he's completed 14 marathons)! I had my first coached run with him this week and while I'm not PR'ing any time soon, after one running session with Terence I'm well on my way.


Luckily I'm starting off with great form (go me!)… the only snag was my arms. I held them too close, too high and too tight; kind of like if I was constantly holding the top of a bicep curl. That's why I would get winded so quickly-I was constricting my breathing! The proper way to hold you arms, Terence explains, is at about 90 degrees with a loose grip (no fists and no floppy fish hands). "Imagine you're holding a paper baton" he told me. As soon as I made the switch I felt my entire body release. Breathing was easier and my cadence hit a steady pace.


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I want to be as happy and carefree when I'm running at the girl in this picture! With a little practice, I will!


Want to know a fun running secret? Your arms control your legs! I know, it sounds absurd, running is all about the legs you're thinking, but try this: Start jogging lightly. Now move your arms really quickly. What happens? Your legs speed up! Now really slow down your arms. Can you guess what happens? Yep, your legs slow down as well.


I might have looked a bit ridiculous while running around New York City yesterday testing this out, but it was all in the name of top secret running research! I'll be sure to share more of his running tricks. Until then, it looks like the arms know best!


Bonus: Be sure to check out these tips for proper pacing!

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