Run real run true.

• Position: What's New - FIT running shoes

The folks at Skora, Seattle, Wash., view "Real Running" as running how nature intended--efficient, effective, and with ease. As the foot strikes the ground, contact is made in the middle of the foot, not at the heel. Running with a whole-foot gait results in less impact energy and force shock transmitted throughout the body.

Real Running is not something your body needs to learn, but rather be reminded of. As children, we all Run Real; it is only as we grow older and become accustomed to conventional running shoes that we forget how to run naturally. With enough practice, your body will relearn how to Run Real. Remember to focus on the quality of your run, not the quantity of miles.

The 3Rs of Real Running are:

Reconnect. The mind-body connection provides important feedback (proprioception). How? Keeping the feet closer to the running surface reconnects the sense of touch and facilitates a light landing that is consistent with a whole-foot gait. Why? Awareness of how your feet connect with the running surface helps give your body greater control and efficiency.

Reposition. The position of your body greatly affects your running form. How? Maintain an upright posture, aligning the hip to the head. Land with your feet under your body, not in front. Keep your knees slightly bent, and avoid landing with an outstretched, straight leg. Why? A good running body position enables the legs and feet to absorb impact energy and forces throughout the body naturally.

Rhythm. The rhythm of your stride is an important part of maintaining good form. How? While every body and gait is different, a good stride rhythm is around 180 footstrikes per...