Good Form

Mr. Smee: Oh, dear, dear, dear, Captain Hook. Shooting a man in the middle of his cadenza? That ain't good form, you know.
Captain Hook: "Good form," Mr. Smee?
[suddenly yelling]
Captain Hook: Blast good form!
[waves his hook in front of Smee]
Captain Hook: Did Pan show good form when he did *this* to me?
Mr. Smee: Why, Captain, cutting your hand off was only a childish prank, you might say.
Captain Hook: Aye, but throwing it to that crocodile! That cursed beast liked the taste of me so well he's followed me ever since, licking his chops for the rest of me.
Mr. Smee: And he would've had you by now, Captain, if he hadn't swallowed that alarm clock. But now, when he's about, he'd warn you, as you might say, with his tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock.


Ah, good form...  Apparently, that is what I need to work on as I try to learn to run.  I've always thought it was rather pathetic that my jog is only just barely faster than my walk.  Turns out I could be quite a lot faster, without wearing myself out, if I only improved my form. 

Todd's been telling me for years I need to concentrate on keeping my head level and pushing forward with my legs as I run.  I finally realized what he meant when I saw my reflection while jogging a few months ago.  I kick my feet out to the side with each step.  My head bobs up and down and my legs go side to side and THAT is why I barely get anywhere.  I'm practically running in place! 

So my focus until it becomes habit is to actually push forward a little bit with my thighs and make an effort to put a little distance between each stride.  I've been so afraid of tiring myself out that I've handicapped myself with my "take it easy" form.    I am sure I will find much more satisfaction in running when I have good form.