Runner's World Your Best Stride: How to Optimize Your Natural Running Form to Run Easier, Farther, and Faster--With Fewer Injuries

by Jonathan Beverly, Runner's World

Run the Way You Were Born to Run

Every runner wants a smooth, light, powerful, and resilient stride. But there isn't one ideal form all runners should try to emulate. Instead, research and experience show that people can run effectively in a wide variety of patterns with some universal elements.

In lively, accessible prose, author Jonathan Beverly details his search for common ground among physical therapists, podiatrists, biomechanics researchers, and coaches, and reveals how individual runners can apply those principles and improve their performance, avoid injury, and enhance their enjoyment on the run.

With specific, illustrated exercises that show how to counteract tight muscles from excessive sitting, improve limited arm mobility from hunching over electronic devices, strengthen your feet for better balance, and improve speed by lengthening your stride, Runner's World Your Best Stride is an approachable guide to human movement and a practical tool for improved running performance.

Genres: Nonfiction, Fitness, Sports, Health, Self Help, Reference

240 pages, Paperback

Published June 13, 2017

Reviews

[Chim Guanghui · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book on running I’ve read so far. Got more useful tips than all the running books I have gone through. Real improvements show in my actual running, which has become faster, smoother and less taxing. By following the advice in the book to consciously shifting the running from the legs to the glutes and hips, I could feel a huge difference in power, speed, and how long I could run. I love all the drills and the fac that they can be integrated into our daily movements such as the single-leg standing, the clamshell drills, etc.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't ever write reviews of books because, really, who wants to know what I think about books? However, if you are a runner you must read this book. This book is full of absolutely invaluable information about how to improve your running form and cross training/strength training suggestions to improve your overall life as a runner and prevent injury. The book is easy to understand, and the tips provided are easy to implement even for a novice runner.

I am a recreational runner who isn't particularly fast, but I enjoy running a lot and was sidelined by an injury about a year ago. If I had read this book earlier, I probably would not have been injured. Even seasoned runners will get beneficial information in this easy to read, practical guide to improving your running form and maybe even getting faster as a result.

[Lea Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the practical approach to improving form in this fast and informative book. Jonathan Beverly lays out the main areas of form weakness and gives concrete exercises and routines to improve those areas.

I've been a sometimes runner since I joined the cross country team my senior year of high school in order to try to stay in shape. It's been a thing I do for myself and it gives me joy, but almost two years ago I developed a case of plantar fasciitis that I could not beat. It kept my running sidelined for 18 months and after PT, massage therapy, dry needling and everything in between, I'm finally back to running. As I try to recondition myself, it's really important to me that I don't get injured again.

But I also appreciate that the book doesn't proclaim one exact right way to do anything. Everything is based on general principles of strength and flexibility which aid in running form. But every body is unique and so too is the stride generated from that body.

I've been putting some of the techniques into practice over the last week and I'm hopeful I'll run injury free into the future.

[Susan Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good book! For someone that wants to improve their running form but has no idea where to begin, this book is great! There are so many tips, suggestions, and exercises in this book I’m glad that I purchased it so that I can relook at things in the future to help me implement them.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I only read the third chapter and it changed my life. Who knew this was possible and who knew one could read running books? But YOU WILL if you mess yourself up and get plantar fasciitis. The third chapter tells you to tilt your pelvis forward, which is not news, but here it feels compelling and you'll do it. You'll stand up tall and run; you'll use the butt the way it was meant to be used. This book is gloriously plainspoken. You'll think you'll try all the exercises but really you just want to read about the butt.

[Emily Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first heard of Jonathan Beverly on the "Run to the Top" Podcast. I was listening at a time where I was injured and angry about my running. His interview changed my entire mind about running. I went and spent my last 20.00 + 20% discount at Barns and Noble and bought the book. I cannot recommend this book enough.

Beverly breaks it down by chapter about how our entire body plays a part in our running. He gives advice on making parts of your body that are typically weaker, stronger. He talks about posture and the "new smoking," aka sitting. He also goes into depth about shoes and the myth of thick shoes. Those are just a few of his topics.

In result of reading this book, I have become a stronger and more informed runner. I haven't hit Boston yet (prob will never) but I have managed to stay injury free and improve my form and pace.

[Maryanne Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. As a brand-new-to-running person, I felt that it explained really well that there is no "single" stride but presents some common ones and how to tell what works best for you.
Basically, if you are feeling that you aren't doing it "right", this is a great book on how you should be adapting things to your own body (not to the "right" postures).
Plus, it emphasized the benefit of working muscles (used by running) outside of runs. The exercises were easy to understand (both in WHY they are beneficial and HOW to do them).
And, stretches... I finally understand why physiotherapists keep suggesting certain poses. Loved it.
Definitely kept me from worrying about "doing it the wrong way".

[Patrick Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been reading running and fitness books for a very long time. This is one of the best. There is a focus on simple improvements and removing outdated and wrong ideas about running. I have already improved my posture and feeling while running in a few short runs since picking this book up.

I highly recommend this to any runner at any stage in their career.

[Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a cyclist who sucks at running regularly and/or is afraid I'll just injure myself if I do, I found this book a super helpful breakdown of how to run with good form. Lots of great mobility and body-weight exercises to even out imbalances, and helpful drills, too.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book! Quick read with lots of great tips and exercises. Even a chapter devoted to finding the time to incorporate the exercises into your daily routine. Fully explains how your natural alignment and habits over your lifetime affect your stride and how you can improve it.

[Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

My reading world typically consists of fiction books, so reading a non-fiction book can be a bit of a challenge for me. I actually started this book once before and stopped for lots of reasons. However, I'm glad that I went back and re-started, and then pushed through because, even with it not being my typical kind of read, it was a very good book overall.

I'm only a casual runner, and with the demands of work and family my running has become even less than it used to be. As I'm trying to maintain and eventually increase the number of times I go run per week, reading through this has given me ideas for how to ramp up in a way that will give me a better running form and reduce or eliminate some of the strange injuries I used to get.

The exercises are something I've already started implementing, and have seen results from. But the one part that really stuck with me towards the end is the discussion on pronation, and putting it (and its impact on my shoe selection) into perspective. I feel like I breathed a sigh of relief for having one less thing to worry about as a result.

I'd definitely recommend this book--even if you're only running a bit, but still want to get better, it's worth it.

[Jaki · Rating 5 out of 5]

The rare book where I checked it out from the library, and then decided I needed to buy a copy to keep as a reference.

My physical therapist would probably say "I told you so!" and indeed, nothing in this book contradicts what my PT has had me working on ever since I started dealing with hip and back pain that is especially exacerbated by running (but also asymmetrical biomechanics in daily life). Some of these exercises were familiar from that context, too!

I appreciate that this book breaks down why particular exercises are good for runners and for what aspect of form, digs into things like minimalist running, honestly considers the problem of how to prioritize which exercises when (since no amateur runner is going to do all of them all the time), emphasizes how each body and thus each best stride is unique, and is generally an incredibly practical but carefully consolidated resource.

For the time being I am mostly following my PT's advice, but I'm planning to incorporate more of these exercises that aren't already part of my PT practice into my strength and stretching routines once I no longer need to work with my physical therapist.

[Lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a clonky running n00b and trying hard not to be. Your Best Stride has certainly helped make my running more mindful.

Beverly goes into detail on the points of form that runners need to focus on in order of importance. I appreciate that each chapter includes tests to help you evaluate your weaknesses. He fits the focus areas together, too. Improving one will likely mean improving others and your overall running economy.

Here is what I think will be a good approach to getting the most out of this book: first, read it from cover to cover so you have an idea of what you need to work on. Then, go back through it slowly, chapter by chapter, and focus on each section of your body for a few weeks, building good running habits until they become automatic.

[Alex Abboud · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good resource, especially for runners, but for everyone who is active. It speaks to how contemporary life creates physical issues, and how we can correct that for better athletic performance. As a runner who has struggled with some of the issues covered here, it's nice to have resources in one place specifically covering muscle imbalances, tightness, and other issues caused by prolonged sitting, and other facets of how we live day to day.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought I’d read enough about proper running stride to know what to do. However, Jonathan Beverly, former Running Times editor and now a Runners World columnist, compiles the latest thinking into a highly readable and useful book. I’ve noticed some of the benefits to working on stride from the techniques in this book. My only quibble is there are so many exercises here that it’s a bit overwhelming.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is a good book for people who run, and are trying to improve their technical aspect of their training. Some stuff for a novice was easy to understand, other stuff... not so much. I would use this book if you were trying to improve the way that you run, or how you think about running. Over all a really good book.

[Özgür · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye opener as to a "simple" act like running actually can be so complicated and requires constant practice to make things simple and efficient. Essential guide with the latest research for staying injury free and enhancing performance.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Goodreads for allowing me to win this book. I liked this book and I think it will serve as a great reference as I continue my running. I did feel like there was some filler information that could have been left out.

[Esther · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about running and how to improve. I appreciate how the author not only tells you the why and how behind various techniques and postures and forms, but makes the tips easy to implement. Now I get to go implement these tips.

[Fausto Blanco · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I had read this book before. Everyone that runs should know what this book show. It really gives you a new vision about running and can transform the way you run or, at least, make you understand how professional runners run at the speed they run.

[CherylR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Common sense approach

I enjoyed this book. It is easy to read and give common sense advice. Some is new and some is old, but never hurts to be reminded.

[Ron Alpert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great advice

Succinct, well written and perfect advice for runners of all experiences. Play at running like a child and be free.

[Mattie Squire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read with good tips

Looking forward to implementing some of the advice in this book! Easy read and gives a very approachable way to improve your running game.

[Wendi Lau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of exercises for strengthening running muscles that are important for long term running fitness. Good explanations and diagrams.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much great information. Has helped me become a much better long distance runner.

[Yvette · Rating 2 out of 5]

Skimmed

[David Dang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great holistic book on running for any level. Great tips on stretching and form.

[Rebecca (Unbound Pages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now I have 8 billion things to work on with my running form. Lol but lots of awesome info in here!

[Phil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bit of a misleading title. More a collection of ideas such as strength work, shoe rotation, etc

[Sean Klingler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better than expected

I will be using the exercises in here to make my Crew team better runners. They need this for cross training.