With so much focus aimed at how the legs move in running we often forget that the upper body moves in counterbalance to the lower body. This makes the angles and positions of the trunk and head important for efficient, injury free running.

From the waist up one should strive to have a slight forward lean. This should develop naturally to allow the momentum of the whole body to 'fall' forward. This can simply be obtained by repositioning the head to tuck the chin towards the chest and then let the shoulders fall forward like your trying to fall flat on you nose.

Go to the track (perhaps in the dark of night if you are self conscious) and stand with feet together, tuck the chin into the chest and let the shoulders fall forward. As you are about to tip forward pick up one leg and drive it forward initiating the first step of your run.

This simple exercise will demonstrate the role forward momentum plays in proper running form. It may also reveal that your upper body position is posteriorly positioned more than you had previously realized. This acts like a weight drawing you back as you try and run forward.