Running Checklist for Good Form

If you think running is as simple as throwing on some sneakers and putting one foot in front of the other, you're wrong. To succeed at the run, you've got to invest in technique, just as you would with sports like swimming, golf or tennis. FitSugar knows the drill and shares a great checklist for scoring a good stride and preventing injury.

Lower Body. You'll want to land mid-foot, not on your heel, which can slow you down and jar the body. Relax your ankles and pick up your feet rather than pushing the ground away, which can tire muscles quickly. Shorten your stride for happier knees, and lean forward from your ankles, not your waist.

Upper Body. First, engage your lower abs -- feel them deep, about two inches below your belly button, and pull them toward your spine. Lift your ribcage up and forward to support your torso, and relax your hands (pretend you're holding an egg). Get those arms swinging -- forward and back, not across the body -- and make sure your elbows are at 90 degrees. Finally, let your shoulders fall (exhale deeply, and they will fall away from your ears), and look straight ahead, not at the ground -- looking down closes your throat and makes breathing more difficult.

This is just a start. AOL Health offers some great inspiration for running, too.