Runners must learn how to utilize their whole body alignment to insure they've set their body mechanics in the proper way. If you don't know or use the following information then you will experience poor running performances and injuries.
The biggest problem for runners isn't training hard and doing all the work that is necessary for them to achieve the best level possible but it's having the proper knowledge and technical information to help them shorten the training process.
Here is the most important point to remember for runners to have the perfect body alignment:
1. Make sure that you push your chin as far back as possible. This action will have a counter balance action of pushing your hips (center of gravity) in a forward direction.
2. If you want to test this theory you just have to stand in front of a mirror and do the following experiment: When you extend your chin out forward, you'll notice that your hips will move backwards in proportion to your chin going out. Then if you push your chin back, then you'll notice that your hips will move in a forward direction. Now you'll notice that your body alignment will be straight and this is what you want to achieve.
Note: The reason you extend your chin forward has to do with the improper body mechanics that you started when starting to walk as a child. Also you'll notice that from a standing position that the first thing you will do before making an initial step is to push the chin out forward. This action will help in moving your center of gravity in order for you to start walking. It doesn't matter if you're walking or running because this chin action in a forward motion will be done the same way.
Important:
If you have the chin pushed back this action will force your hips and your whole body to move forward as one unit. Also you'll have more balance, more distance in your stride and you won't experience back problems while running.
Review:
Push your chin as far back as possible and this action will force you to run in any direction with the proper body alignment.