Quora: Running form, which one do you match?

Interesting read on running, Quora is the place to look for answers nowadays.

So far i got no injury, didn't push myself too hard & try to keep straight back posture, do warm up circuit before start. Might need to do some walk to warm down after hitting 4miles. Can feel a bit stress on lower back, but no pain yet. First 1 mile i usually try to push harder, by 2nd miles mind screams 'this is shit!' , and got back to normal by 3rd / 4th mile depending on amount of sleep I'm getting- >6hrs, usually i feel great and can go on quite consisently. Always run with earphones tucked in my ears so not sure if i make loud noises, I saw some runners run in 'floating' fluid motion, that's a nice form to use. Can't really go 'The unicorn' my feet just refuses when i tried before to increase pace LOL.

Excerpts from quora below:

"This will be a long answer but if you are a long distance runner, I know, you will endure."

First of all let me clarify one thing: there is no “best” technique for running. Yes, there are some “better” techniques but most of the time, the running techniques are subjective and depend upon your body structure & fitness, running distance, and running surface. So try various techniques and ease into one which you find most comforting.Following information is only for Long Distance Running and out of my own experiences as a Runner. - Mr Gurvinder

A good running technique is not only about proper foot landing and body posture. It is as much about how you are breathing and even what you are thinking while running!

Firstly, judge your current running technique on following parameters:

1. Do you experience joint pains (usually in knees and ankles) especially when you run on hard surfaces like roads etc.? -guess still young to experience any haha, have to be conservative & not overstress myself to the point of injury
2. Do you experience lower back pains after running? -no
3. Do you experience shoulder pains during running? -no
4. Do you generate excessive noise while taking steps during running? - need to observe
5. Do you feel sharp pains in lower left/right side of your abdomen?-no
6. Is your breathing erratic and arrhythmic while running? -no, not too sure actually
7. Does your mind give up even before you have reached your body’s limit? - sometimes yes, mind saying 'Screw this!' but usually im ok after a 10-45 sec rest. Don't give up i guess.
8. Or do you match any of the following (above diagram)  

Dan Baciu wrote some good stuff, here is a laundry list of more highlights I think about, top down.

• Head level
• Ears dry so headphones stay in -i wonder how to do this..its warm & humid in Malaysia..
• Only play awesome music -can relate to this, must have good bass/beatrate
• Relax your face - you mean smile?
• Breathe in your nose, out your mouth -really?
• Don't wear cotton shirts, wear polyester, it breathes better  

First and the foremost thing: Do a proper Warm-up routine. After that start the run with jogging and increase the pace. This prevents cramps during running.

• Avoid Over-Striding: Look for the alignment of knee and ankle upon initial contact. Ideally we’re looking for the knee to be flexing directly above the ankle on initial contact.
• Run Tall: Do not bend the waist. Run with slight forward lean keeping the back flat.
• Being Hydrated during running is very critical. Drink a glass of water 15 minutes before running. During running, drink half glass of water after every 20 minutes or sip some energy drinks.
• Eat a banana or some other fruit before one hour to get sufficient energy required for running.
• Control of Breathing: Breathe deeply as opposed to shallow breaths which increases oxygen intake. Stay relaxed and do not get excited while running.
• Relax Shoulders & Strengthen Glutes and Core during the run. Do not bounce or twist excessively.
• Have a target of certain number of minutes or distance for the day and increase it gradually. - <12min per mile, or 3.5 -4 miles depending on how i feel on the day.
• Before stopping, jog for about 2 minutes. Then perform a cool-down stretch routine which makes the muscles relaxed, improves the flexibility and makes you ready for the next day run - need to start this, consistency and injury free is my goal to good health

 -everything from Quora here.