The Best Running Advice I’ve Ever Gotten (So Far)

I’m definitely not the world’s best runner. In fact, I’m not particular skilled in the art of running at all. And I’m definitely not the most experience runner out there. I mean, I’ve been running for almost 4 years now, but that’s really not very long. Especially compared to the super fit 60 year old dude who’s been running since high school, or the crazy talented 25 year old chick who’s been running basically since she could walk. But I do like to think I have at least some knowledge on the subject of running. I mean, I’ve read a countless number of books, magazine, blogs, and other articles on the internet. I listen to several running related podcasts, religiously follow a bunch of other runners on several social media platforms, and enjoy talking with and learning from my fellow runners whenever I can. So I’m not gonna lie, it’s not exactly often that I stumble upon a new piece of information or advice that I haven’t at least heard or read about before.

So this “best running advice that I’ve ever gotten (so far)” was actually not something that was particularly knew to me. Hell, I’ve actually read the book it came from several times before, but today was when it finally clicked into place for me.

And that piece of advice?

Pecker out.

Now wait! Let me explain!! Because if you’re a woman reading this you may be asking “just what the heck this that supposed to mean? I most certainty don’t have a pecker!” Trust me, I don’t either, but that little nugget of wisdom basically changed my life today. Alright, that’s a bit of an over exaggeration, but it definitely changed my running form for the better.

I read this little phrase in The Little Red Book Of Running by Scott Douglas. Apparently “Pecker out” was a cue that his collage coach (who apparently never coached women) used to remind his runners to keep their hips slightly forward. And I don’t know about you, but I’ve heard so many variations of how important it is to keep your pelvis slightly tucked and your hips forward so that your feet land under you instead of in front of you. And that’s super important because if your feet are landing too far in front of your body their acting as a break and slowing you down instead of propelling you forward like they should be.

I definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about running. It’s full of all sorts of little nuggets of wisdom like the one I’ve shared with you today.