Struggle to keep my head up

[Dougalucy]

Does anyone else have the problem of trying to keep their head up?

I've read that your head should be up looking forward when you run but it seems more natural for me to have my head down a bit looking only about 6 feet in front.

Every run I do I say to myself to keep it up but I can only manage it for a few strides.

It's obviously my most natural position for me but will it hinder my progress?

[misswobble Graduate]

Looking straight ahead is best. Your head is heavy!

You will get timely tips from your C25k coach. Heed the advice about form, holding yourself upright, looking to the horizon etc. All good advice.

Best to get things right from the outset so you don’t have problems down the line 🙂

[Equi-geek Graduate]

I am very round shouldered, and I would naturally look at the ground in front of me, but when I feel myself watching the floor I tell myself to put my shoulders back and look around me a bit.

This definitely helps with breathing, muscle effort, and balance. The head weighs about 4kg, so if it hangs forwards your back muscles and hips are definitely affected, and you will fatigue earlier.

At the moment it has to be a conscious thing - a bit like learning to drive. In time I hope to train in the muscle memory so it becomes automatic. It is worth the effort to straighten up 😁

[davelinks Graduate]

I'm a tad round shouldered and keep reminding myself to keep chest out and head up, but need to scan for uneven ground, pot holes & tree roots about 3m in front.