It’s easy to think that running faster or improving your parkrun PB means pushing harder — but sometimes, the biggest gains come from learning to relax.
When tension creeps into your running, it usually starts small — tight fists, a stiff jaw, a clenched upper body — and it quietly drains your efficiency. Over 5 kilometres, that tightness adds up, costing you both energy and speed.
💡 Relaxed Wrists = Efficient Arms
Check your hands right now. Are you clenching your fists when you run? Many runners subconsciously hold their hands tight, as if gripping imaginary handles. This tension runs up through the forearms and shoulders, limiting your arm swing and making your stride feel heavier.
A simple fix: imagine you’re gently holding a potato chip — firm enough not to drop it, but relaxed enough not to crush it. Soft wrists help your elbows move smoothly, keeping your upper body fluid and rhythmical.
🦵 Relaxed Legs = Smooth Stride
Your lower body benefits from the same principle. Tight quads or calves lead to a choppy, inefficient stride and greater muscle fatigue. When your legs move freely underneath you, each step flows more naturally, helping you maintain pace with less effort.
A great cue is to think “light and quick” rather than “hard and fast.” Let gravity do some of the work — your job is simply to lift your feet and stay smooth.
🧠 Try This Next parkrun
During your next parkrun, do a quick body scan every kilometre:
- Hands: Are they relaxed?
- Shoulders: Are they down and loose?
- Hips and legs: Moving freely?
You’ll be surprised how much easier the run feels — and how much faster you can go — when your body is relaxed and efficient.
🚀 Want to learn how to run smoother, stronger, and faster on Saturdays?
Join the parkrun Kickstart Beta Group — a 4-week program designed to help you unlock your best parkrun yet. You’ll get simple, structured runs, expert coaching tips, and the momentum to chase your next PB.
👉 Click here to join the parkrun Kickstart Beta Group and take the first step toward your best Saturday run yet!