Run Smarter, Not Harder: Posture Tips for Injury-Free Running

With running season in full swing, I want to share my video on running posture to help you achieve your best performance.

Running can be simple and enjoyable when you harness your body’s natural spring and the force of gravity. Instead of fighting the run, think about literally falling forward, using your hamstrings to lift your heels up behind you. It’s about efficiency, not effort.

Key Posture Tips for Running Success:

Good posture is essential from toes to nose, both in life and while running. Here’s what to keep in mind:

  • Stand tall but stay relaxed: Focus on keeping your body aligned without tension.
  • Ears over shoulders.
  • Shoulders over hips.
  • Hips over knees.
  • Soft knees over feet.

Now, here’s where the magic happens:

  • Fall forward from your ankles: Let gravity do the work for you.
  • Arms bent at 90 degrees: Swing them front to back like pendulums, without crossing the midline.
  • Pull heels up: With a relaxed ankle, lift each heel up behind you, one at a time.
  • And repeat—that’s running!

Aim for 45 steps in 15 seconds for optimal cadence and foot strike. Check out this quick video to see it in action:

👉 Watch the video here

Ready to Take Your Running to the Next Level?

Are you training for the Miami Marathon or any other upcoming race? Maybe you’re looking to become a faster runner or recover from an injury? If any of these sound familiar, I have exciting news!

Run Essentials is officially open for enrollment, and I’d love to invite you to join!

Is This Program Right for You?

Let me ask you a few questions:

  • Have you signed up for a race but feel confused about how to train?
  • Have you tried running before, only to end up injured after just a few days?
  • Are you aiming to run faster, improve your technique, and feel better with each run?
  • Do you find yourself relying on random tips from social media that just aren’t working?
  • Are you overwhelmed by how to train, unsure how far to run or at what pace?

If you nodded yes to any of these, you’re not alone. Running can be confusing without proper guidance, and without the right structure, you risk not reaching the finish line, getting stuck in frustration, or worse—suffering a chronic injury that sidelines you.

Don’t Let Confusion or Injury Hold You Back

This is your chance to join a supportive community that will inspire and guide you to achieve your goals. Picture yourself crossing the finish line—feeling stronger, more confident, and setting an amazing example for yourself and others.

Run Essentials offers the tools, structure, and support you need to run your best. Whether you’re just starting or want to elevate your performance, this program will help you get there.

Enroll today and take the next step toward achieving your running goals!

 

His Results Speak for Themselves – Meet Rockstar Triathlete: Luis Carranza

Rockstar: Luis Caranza

Coaches Notes:

Since we started at the beginning of the year, Luis has improved 100% in all three sports.

As a busy husband, father, and businessman who travels a lot with a goal of a 5:30 70.3, my Triathlon Transformation Program was ideal. 

We started with all five of the evaluations:

Swim Video analysis and testing
Run video analysis and testing
Bike fit and pedaling mechanics and testing
Strength and mobility assessments, and, of course,
Nutrition Essentials program.

From all of these assessments, I then put together a custom training program for his progressive improvement across the all three sports. 

The training program, along with 24-hour access to the Full Circle Coaching Community and coaches to ask about anything and everything, reassessments every 6-8 weeks, and specific race day logistics about nutrition and pacing…

The results speak for themselves: 

SWIM- started averaging 2:09/ 100 yards- to 1:36/ 100!

BIKE 202 watts FTP to 239 watts FTP

RUN- 7:01, 1-mile run test to a 6:27, 1-mile run test after switching from super cushion shoes to Altra zero drop shoes and improving run strength and stamina.

3 Podiums so far at both Sprint and Olympic distances.

Although we cannot continue training for the goal race in December, I am confident Luis can continue his journey to reach his goal with all the tools we have provided him over the last six months. 

Congratulations Luis! You are a True Rockstar Triathlete!

Age: 40

Profession: Executive

Why did you choose FCC to help you on your triathlon/health and wellness journey? I was recommended to work with Coach Erinne after I asked other triathletes about a great coach who could prepare me for a half-ironman. She was highly recommended by many, so it was a no-brainer.


What is your “A” race for this season?
Cartagena 70.3 Ironman, 2024


What are your BIG goals?
I aim to obtain a sub 5:30 result at my first half ironman in Cartagena. I aim to drastically improve my swimming technique and get smarter with my nutrition.


What were some of your most significant improvements in performance for each of the following? Swim, Bike, Run, and Nutrition/Health. Please include any Personal Records and Goals achieved.

I literally learned how to swim! I had to restart from scratch and learn proper form and technique with Coach Erinne. This was huge, and I have seen vast speed improvement every month. I also learned and understood how to train with training zones, with purpose, and with proper technique for all disciplines, specifically cycling and running.

I have reached the podium three times now and achieved two PRs for my sprint and Olympic distance triathlons.

Name 2 or 3 things that have made the most significant difference in your journey.
I am learning to swim correctly and use nutrition to fuel my entire race! Improving my running form and technique has made me faster and my legs much stronger.

What excites you the most about being involved in triathlon?
It creates mental fortitude and discipline. I spend countless hours building businesses; this is a healthy way to channel all that energy so it isn’t only going into work.
I love being able to grow and challenge myself and to do it with others who are supportive and also on their own journey! And why not? Athletic improvement is also welcomed!

What would you say to another person who was on the fence about joining our training program?
Do it. Coach Erinne won’t let you slide. She will truly focus on you and help you improve.

The same goes for the other coaches on the team! If you are serious about taking it to the next level, join Full Circle Coaching!

 

Do you want results like these?

Click this link: http://www.scheduleyou.in/5ZIsVaU to schedule your FREE Triathlon Transformation Session today!

 

Erinne Guthrie has been a USA Triathlon Level II Certified Coach since 1999 and Chief Motivating Officer at Full Circle Coaching, LLC since 2010. She has been training, racing, and coaching triathletes since 1997.  She is also a CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach Level 3, USMS Master’s Swim Coach, Motivational Speaker, Metabolic Efficiency Specialist, Mom, and more.

His Road to the World Championship: Meet Rockstar Chester Dilday

 

 

Meet Chester

Age: 61

Profession: Endurance Coach

Why did you choose FCC to help you on your triathlon/health and wellness journey? I struggled to break through to the podium level for my AG in major triathlon races. Erinne and the FCC family have been instrumental in helping me reach my goals.


What is your “A” race for this season?

World Multisport Championship Long Distance Triathlon

What are your BIG goals?
I have achieved my 2024 goal of being the first in my AG for TEAM  USA at the Worlds and finishing in the top five. I am now focused on qualifying and competing in Kona and the Boston Marathon.

What were some of your biggest improvements in performance for each of the following? Swim, Bike, Run, and Nutrition/Health. Please include any Personal Records and Goals achieved.
I had my best ocean open-water swim at Worlds. I improved by biking FTP to over 300W. In 2024, I broke the sub-one-hour mark for a sprint-distance triathlon. I avoided injuries in 2024 while getting my weight down to 190.

Name 2 or 3 things that have made the biggest difference in your journey
I am realizing that I am a swimmer and that relaxing and working on technique in the water is more important than trying to muscle through endless swim workouts. Another significant learning has been devoting as much priority to nutrition and recover.

What excites you the most about being involved in triathlon?
I love to compete and push myself to new limits, but helping others achieve their goals and improve their health and lives is even more exciting.

What would you say to another person who was on the fence about joining our training program?
It is all about understanding yourself and what you are looking to achieve. Triathlons and endurance sports, in general, are great options for anyone looking for long-term health and happiness. Being part of a group of like-minded people who are all looking to better themselves helps. Having someone to guide you along the improvement journey while avoiding the pitfalls and injuries is priceless.

Do you want results like these?

Click this link: http://www.scheduleyou.in/5ZIsVaU to schedule your FREE Triathlon Transformation Session today!

 

Erinne Guthrie has been a USA Triathlon Level II Certified Coach since 1999 and Chief Motivating Officer at Full Circle Coaching, LLC since 2010. She has been training, racing, and coaching triathletes since 1997.  She is also a CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach Level 3, USMS Master’s Swim Coach, Motivational Speaker, Metabolic Efficiency Specialist, Mom, and more.

 

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Which Body Parts Contribute to Running Performance?

What’s up Runners and Triathletes?

Do you know the most important places in the body that contribute to running performance?

Trick question, because running is a total body movement but there are certain areas that are essential to being a stronger runner.

Unfortunately, many of the places we need to be loose and flexible or tight and strong for running are not in good shape because of our daily activities.

Sitting is the new smoking

Sitting for more than 45 minutes at a time is one of the worst things you can do for your running form. Many people sit for more than 5 hours / day, driving in the car or working at your desk slumped forward at your computer at work.

This negatively affects posture and inhibits lung capacity as well as causing low back pain, tight hips and hamstrings. When you add running to the mix, injuries arise.

Running shoe choice is also a factor – high cushion, high heeled running shoes negatively affect running performance despite what the billion dollar shoe industry wants you to believe!

High heels for women and heavy pointed work shoes for men, along with the new trendy 3-5 inch cushion high heeled running shoes can also cause major issues in your running performance.

These shoes elevate the heels and the toes so that all the pressure is placed on the ball of the foot where added stress was not meant to be placed. Your balance and foot strike are greatly compromised with instability instead of shock absorption as you may think!

The results can be foot pain, bunions, hammer toes, neuroma’s, achilles tendonitis, plantar faciitis, runners knee and IT band syndrome, low back pain, and neck pain just to name a few.

Add more running volume and you can be in a world of pain.

It’s time to Master Your Next Run Race with Run Essentials

Exciting news—Run Essentials is officially open for enrollment, and I’d love to invite you to join!

You might be wondering if this program is right for you. Let me ask you a few questions:

Have you signed up for a race but feel confused by all the details of training?

Have you tried running before, only to get injured after just a few days?

Are you aiming to run faster, improve your technique, and feel better when you run?

Are you relying on random tips from social media?

Or are you simply overwhelmed by how to train, not sure how much to run, not sure how much to run or how fast?

If you resonate with this, you’re not alone. The logistics of training can be overwhelming, and without the right guidance, you risk not crossing the finish line, staying stuck in frustration, and never reaching your running goals. Worse, you could end up with a chronic injury that sidelines you altogether.

Don’t let confusion, frustration, or injury hold you back any longer. This is your chance to join a community that inspires, supports, and pushes you to achieve your goals. Imagine the pride of crossing the finish line, feeling stronger, more confident, and setting an example for yourself and others.

Run Essentials provides the tools, structure, and support to help you run your best.

Enroll today and take the next step toward achieving your running goals!

Erinne Guthrie is a USA Triathlon Level II Certified Coach since 1999 and Chief Motivating Officer at Full Circle Coaching, LLC since 2010. Creator of the 16 week Triathlon Transformation. She has been training, racing and coaching triathletes since 1997.  She is also a CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach Level 3, USMS Master’s Swim Coach, Motivational Speaker, Metabolic Efficiency Specialist, Mom, Mermaid and much much more.