Friday, September 10, 2010
Natural Running Form??
I have been looking into Chi, barefoot, natural and a couple other running forms. I wonder what if the benefits are really that great?
'You can run faster and longer with no injuries'.....OK, I'll give it a go!
I am going to give the natural running a try. I haven't got anything to lose. My recovery is slow and minimal at best, I am struggling with intermittent quad and hamstring pain. I am hoping that having both the aggressive acupuncture and electrode therapies (last week) was just a bit too much, all at once. Fingers crossed.
What are your experiences with natural forms of running? Do they work for you? Have you changed your running style? How did your body react? Help!!!
Gotta rest.
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6 comments:
Hey Stacey
It's great that you're looking at addressing the cause of the problems rather than just treating the symptoms.
From my experience you need to set your expectations levels pretty low in terms of the speed of improvement. It took me about 6 months to change my running form.
The important thing is to make sure you develop a strong core, hips, and calves as these are often under used muscle groups, and it is the compensation of the other muscles such as hamstrings which cause injuries.
Another key area is to make sure you are using your glutes. I found that mine were just there for show when running! So lots of glute engaging exercises and just developing a consciousness of what muscles you are using.
Be patient and you will get the results, but don't expect to go out and run 10kms barefoot straight off, as you'll probably be more injured than now.
Best of luck
Andy
www.ultrarunning.com.au
OK, I'll give you my perspective which is different from all the experts. I've tried the natural forefoot running twice in my life and both times I came away with injuries. I'm 43 and have been running with the same basic style for a long time and have been for the most part injury free. I tried the Newtons a few years back and even did some running drills with a triathlon group and came away with a calf injury that bothered me for a good 2-3 months.
After reading "Born to Run", I really wanted to try the barefoot running and even got my some Vibram Five Fingers. Started very slowly but came away with another injury. I know it's supposed to be better for you, but I don't think it is for everyone, at least not me. So I'll just keep heel striking in my heavy trail shoes and hopefully run for along time with no more injuries.
I am trying. And everything after reading a book Born to Run. I altered my running style when i got some issues with tight right calf. I have to say that tightness disappeared when i shorted my stride. The same during a long runs when a pain shows up i try to follow an advise of keeping a right posture and correct leg turnover - usually it helps. Personally i think that is no so much of Chi,Pose or other running style as much about having a correct body balance, running appropriate to fitness level distance and remembering that you got a work on leg muscles. Sorry for a long post but i could write a few chapters about training, natural running etc. I hope that you will find something that works for you and help to overcome this injury.
D
Thank you for the advice Andy, Derek, and Derek.
I wish happy and healthy running for us all!
as a former clydesdale triathlete that was not an endurance athlete and had no real form to build upon..plus I overpronated pretty badly...the natural running form has helped me become a better triathlete in the 2.5 years that I've employed it. It has taken time..but it's a labor well worth it...good luck..
Thank you Jon!
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