Good question! Lots of different things work for me. On really rough terrain, it is important to get your arms/hands up in a higher position for balance. I also turn my toes more to the outside to help prevent rolling an ankle (tend to do it more on downhills). Absolutely run with gravity, very relaxed and careful not to overstride. I try to keep my stride length the same and increase my foot turnover. On the really nasty stuff, absolutely adopt a sort of mogul ski technique...don't put all of your confiidence in any one foot plant, but think of the ground as something really, really hot that will burn your foot if it stays down too long...almost skipping from foot to foot. The lateral movement is much greater on downhills, as well. Good luck! Lynn B

Good question! Lots of different things work for me. On really rough terrain, it is important to get your arms/hands up in a higher position for balance. I also turn my toes more to the outside to help prevent rolling an ankle (tend to do it more on downhills). Absolutely run with gravity, very relaxed and careful not to overstride. I try to keep my stride length the same and increase my foot turnover. On the really nasty stuff, absolutely adopt a sort of mogul ski technique...don't put all of your confiidence in any one foot plant, but think of the ground as something really, really hot that will burn your foot if it stays down too long...almost skipping from foot to foot. The lateral movement is much greater on downhills, as well. Good luck! Lynn B

What he said ! I use gravity to my advantage on downhill, but keep my strides short with more turn-over.

I agree with everything said above. I learned my downhill technique from an old school mountaineer back when I was climbing. I think it looks a little odd but I can run a mean downhill . Keep your center of gravity low and back a little, I almost feel as if I am sitting down a little, bend at the knees and keep your foot strike quick. Here in Colorado we always have a mix of fixed and loose rocks. Always look ahead plan the line you are going to take. When it gets really technical I try and step from fixed flat rock to fixed flat rock. Keep loose and flexible.

Sherpagirl and Fatozzig- That's interesting and helpful too. I will add that to my tool box of techniques. I like the idea. Thanks for the input. I've hyperextended my knee before (a long time ago) and I want to be careful.