What bad running habits do you have? - Bridge to 10K

Bridge to 10K

16,515 members26,546 posts

What bad running habits do you have?

Slowstart profile image
SlowstartGraduate10
23 Replies

I've discovered that, when tired, I have a habit of propelling my shoulders forward and back as I run and this action can also move down into my hips. So this week I've made a conscious effort to keep everything square so that my arms and legs are all going forward.

I want to improve my running technique and wondered if anyone else had any habits they needed to work on.

Written by
Slowstart profile image
Slowstart
Graduate10
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
23 Replies

How long have you got??? Where shall I start. Like you there's the hunched shoulder issue, not keeping my core upright and tendency to lean forward, particularly when I am getting tired, not keeping my head straight, clenching my fists, not picking my feet up high enough etc etc. It's an awful lot to try and remember - oh, and don't forget to breathe and SMILE.

Slowstart profile image
SlowstartGraduate10 in reply to

I don't hunch my shoulders, I swing them forward and back so my trunk is doing all the hard work, instead of my legs. It must look really weird.

^^^ all of the above! Snap 😀 I look down at the ground so try to get my chin up more which works for so long but then I find myself looking at the ground again! It's a constant battle trying to stop doing it.

boptillyoudrop49 profile image
boptillyoudrop49Graduate10 in reply to

I do this too. I'm constantly having to remind myself to look at least 10 paces ahead but almost immediately afterwards, I'm back to looking at the ground! We were told never to look at the ground when you're walking by a teacher. She said it gives you bad posture and you must always look far ahead. Maybe there is something in that after all. At the time it sounded a bit bonkers.

Slowstart profile image
SlowstartGraduate10 in reply toboptillyoudrop49

I look at the ground for rabbit holes, and cow pats, I've tried not to do this and slipped or twisted my ankle, so now I look like one of those toys that head bobs up and down. Good job I run alone!

SarahFox profile image
SarahFoxGraduate10

I do find myself looking down but that's mainly to look out for dog poo!! But yes posture is a problem when u get tired....I am an habitual sloucher!

Slowstart profile image
SlowstartGraduate10 in reply toSarahFox

Do you go through a check list? I start at the head and work down the body correcting things, but wondered if it's better to concentrate on correcting one thing at a time, then move to the next when the first habit is broken.

poppypug profile image
poppypugGraduate10

Yep all the above too ! When I start getting tired I tend to crumple in the middle like someones stuck a pin in me and I'm deflating :-)

Oh yes and having an iron grip on my water bottle, its like I'm holding on to it 'cos if I don't I'll fall off ! Fall off where , I don't know, but that's how it feels ! :-) xxx

Slowstart profile image
SlowstartGraduate10 in reply topoppypug

That's something to think about later. I've never taken a drink with me as I haven't done any runs long enough to warrant it yet!

Getupandgo profile image
GetupandgoGraduate10

I pull my shoulders up, they ache by the time I finish. I think overall I'm a bit more comfortable running than I was when I first started, a feel less awkward and I don't think I'm slapping my feet down as heavily. I've not caught sight of my reflection in anything while running but I'm quite sure I don't look anything like I think I do!

Slowstart profile image
SlowstartGraduate10 in reply toGetupandgo

I sometimes catch myself with high shoulders and do a worm dance to loosen everything back down, good job there's no video of this!

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate10

This reminds me of that Bob Hope film! The Paleface! When he (playing a cowardly dentist) has to face a duel with a gunslinger

He draws from the left, so lean to the right."

"There's a wind from the west so aim to the east."

"He crouches when he shoots so stand on your toes."

"He draws from the left so stand on your toes,"

"He crouches when he shoots so aim to the west.

He draws from his toes so lean to the wind."

I just try and keep upright. It's hard when you get tired though

in reply tomisswobble

I know exactly what you are talking about - one of my favourite bits of any film ever and yes, that snippet from Paleface has crossed my mind whilst running before now, trying to tie all the threads together.

Slowstart profile image
SlowstartGraduate10 in reply tomisswobble

Bob Hope films, you have a good memory!

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessGraduate10

I don't have any. I am a gazelle 😂😂😂

in reply toIrishprincess

Yeah, right.

itspaulie profile image
itspaulie

My worst running habit is definitely not picking up my feet enough when I run, I'll scuff my feet multiple times over the course of a run. I'm genuinely surprised that I haven't tripped over yet!!

ju-ju- profile image
ju-ju-Graduate10

I have a bad habit of looking down rather than forward as I do a lot of trails and worry about tripping over!!!

Slowstart profile image
SlowstartGraduate10 in reply toju-ju-

I run up a path that has been worn down by mountain bikers, so if I didn't look down I would be horizontal.

BethC profile image
BethCGraduate10

Snap for me too! I have a bad habit of looking down (though pretty much the one time I didn't I fell over a dog that ran out in front of me and broke my wrist), I slouch especially when getting tired, don't pick my feet up and oddly clench my right hand tight. I have to tell myself to loosen it regularly! To be honest I think I need a running lesson!!! 😁

Slowstart profile image
SlowstartGraduate10 in reply toBethC

I do wonder if it would be worth someone watching me run, to see what else I do wrong. I can't be all bad as I manage to get from A to B.

Occasionally not picking my feet up enough , not got that cycling action going on , other than that I run like wind 😉 in my dreams haha

Slowstart profile image
SlowstartGraduate10 in reply to

When I try the cycling action my arms fall in line so I look like I'm trying to do a train impression, only need to add the odd Chooo Choooo

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

What do you supplement running with?

I am interested to know what else you do for exercise? I try and walk or run at least 10,000 steps...
Daisyrun profile image

What tracker do you use?

I don't know if anyone's had this problem before but my Strava app was Auto pausing it was...
Love2run1969 profile image

Do you actually like running?

Reading everyone’s posts on here makes me wonder if there are others like me. I can’t say I love...
redhat1 profile image
Graduate10

Why do we have bad runs?

My last 2 runs were awful - a 10k that was my slowest ever, and a 4k that turned into a 3k because...
telford_mike profile image
Graduate10

How do you fuel your runs vs. non-running days?

Since late June, I've been trying to do x1 8-10k run each week and 1-2 (usually 2) shorter runs...
Celerysalt profile image

Moderation team

See all
Mummycav profile image
MummycavAdministrator
MissUnderstanding profile image
MissUnderstandingAdministrator
Yesletsgo profile image
YesletsgoAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.