Should I worry about my running form?

For easy to moderate-paced runs, try the 3:2 rhythmic breathing pattern: inhale for 3 footstrikes, exhale for 2 footstrikes. For harder efforts, switch to 2:1 (inhale for 2, exhale for 1).

Don't invest time or money in Chi Running (Danny Dreyer) or the POSE method (Dr. Nicholas Romanov) as a beginner. Both market themselves as injury-preventing technique systems, but neither has robust scientific support.

Maintain a slight forward lean from the ankles (not the waist), look 10-20 feet ahead, keep shoulders relaxed and down, arms at 90 degrees swinging forward-and-back (not across your body), and hands loosely cupped.

Don't fixate on hitting 180 steps per minute (SPM). Research shows optimal cadence for most runners falls between 165-175 SPM and varies significantly based on height, speed, and individual biomechanics.

Run with whatever foot strike feels natural to you. Do not try to switch from heel striking to forefoot or midfoot striking based on internet advice.

Focus on consistency and enjoyment first, not biomechanical perfection. Form adjustments should be minor, gradual, and made only when there is a specific reason like pain or a performance plateau.