Runners focus on strength, endurance, and mobility, but balance is often ignored. Running is a single leg activity and ability to balance on a single leg is an important indicator of efficiency. 80% of the runners that we see at RunMechanics often lack the single leg balance, and is correlated directly to higher ground contact times.
Here is what Eliud Kipchoge has to say about balancing
Single Leg Balance drills are an effective way to improve the proprioceptors at the muscle and nerve endings. Training the proprioceptors is even more important as we age, for better running efficiency and to prevent injuries.
Here are a couple of variations of Single Leg balancing drills.
Variation A - Resisted Flexion:
Variation B - Folded Arms:
If you are not able to maintain balance while closing eyes, practice the same drill with eyes open, before you progress to closing the eyes.
Practice these drills as part of your mobility regime for 3-4 repeats.