If you want to run well, good running form is essential.In order to make running easier, you have to put the effort in initially.  Following are the 7 habits of highly effective running form.

Feet

Most runners land with their heel first and roll to the front of the foot.Doing this causes your body to endure repeated braking forces.  This slows a runner down and jars the body, which can lead to running injuries .

Timing

The foot should spend as little time on the ground as possible.In order to maximize speed and minimize injury, you need the spring from a quick step.  You should also aim to be hitting the ground (with each foot) 90 times a minute or more.To aid in creating this rhythm, you can use a metronome type of device.

Posture

You want to do what coaches call running tall.There should be a straight line from the top of your head down your spine.It can be good to stand with your back to a wall to feel what it is like to be straight.Pulling your head back during running will impair breathing and impact your form negatively.

Head

Be careful to not have the head too far forward or pulled back.You want to imagine a string pulling you from the top of the head so that it comes into a straight line with the spine.  The head is heavy, and if you get fatigued, you may let it come infront of your body.This will increase the strain of running by pulling on the back and shoulders.You do not want to let your head lean back, as this can also create a braking force and diminish form.

Eyes

Looking down can cause you to run heavily.Doing this may cause injuries from the increased impact on your body.  Having the head forward can cause slumping, which causes strain on the neck, shoulders and back.  It also tends to shorten the stride.Keep your head up and look at the ground with your eyes only.

Arms

Some recommend the arms should be at 90 degrees, though the Pose Method recommends having a deeper bend than this.It is important that you do not allow your arms to cross the body.  This creates a side to side motion instead of front to back.Allowing movement in opposing directions means you are literally working against yourself.

Breath

Previously the recommendation was to belly breathe in order to get more air into the lungs.When you keep the abdominals engaged, this protects the back and improves running form.  Expand the chest to take in optimal amounts of air.  There are conflicting views on nose breathing and mouth breathing.Mouth breathing allows air to come in quicker, which you may find necessary in your run.  Another school of thought suggests nose breathing is deeper, more calming and helps keep the heartrate lower.  The pace of breathing should be every two(harder runs) or three steps (easier runs).You would be exhaling, right, left, right, inhaling.

Form can require a great deal of attention initially.It will become natural with practice, and you won’t have to think about it anymore.  It is worth the effort to experience more comfort, fewer running injuries, and greater running speed