Through my recent yet thorough exploration of running form and natural running, I have begun to cringe at the claim that the innate and untrained running form is the most ideal for one's body. I recently made a very drastic change in form between my XC and Track season, and cannot emphasize enough the importance of refined running form. What encouraged me to change my form was the constant injury that training was causing me, which I soon realized was a result not of my shoes, insoles, lack of compressive gear, etc., but my body itself. Changing from a pronounced heel strike to an efficient mid/forefoot strike, a loping stride to a quick 175+ cadence, over-striding to a below-the-knee strike, and generally more relaxed and fluid upper body movement quickly alleviated the crippling shin splints, back pain, and stress fractures I had developed in the few years I had been competitively running (mind you, I was only 15 at the time of my change). I soon began to find improvements not only in my health but in my speed as well - running an astoundingly slow 5:26 1600 freshman year to a 4:39 less than a year later (now), the only major change that could have caused such an improvement was my change in form (training schedules remained nearly the same, and physical growth was minimal). Needless to say, it's the work that I've done with my improved form and running economy that has allowed me to further reach my body's potential, but, as a 10th grader, I hope and expect to see years of injury-free, fast, and fun miles ahead.