How to become a “runner”

[Lisaloopy9]

Hi all, I’m now running 5k three times a week, in around 35-40 mins?!

I have pain behind one knee which is ok once I get going but as soon as I stop to do cool down walk it’s painful & I can’t straighten it?!

I spoke to a running friend who has done marathons, who mentioned core strength, gait, bad technique etc

Suddenly running seems to be becoming technical how do I learn to run properly?!

Feeling like injury may cause me to stop, which I REALLY don’t want to happen.

It all seemed so straight forward at the beginning!? All I had to do was run!! Lol

Any advice greatly received, there seems so much I need to learn!?

Thanks in advance 😁🏃‍♀️

[misswobble Graduate10]

Don’t worry. As long as you don’t do too much too soon you should be ok

I assume you have suitable running shoes and take your rest days

Doing other exercise is a good idea but it doesn’t need to be anything hard core Swimming, cycling, walking, yoga etc etc

If you need to rest your knee then do so 🙂

Running is straight forward. It’s only humans that complicate things 😃

[mrrun Graduate10]

I normally clap my hands and holler every third step. Every 11th step I jump and scream my name. I find that technique both invigorating and thought provoking.

Look, joking aside. You run the way you do and for as long you do it in a moderate and steady way, or slow, you'll be fine. That's proper running. If you were a pro, you'd have that guy on the bike next to you shouting directions.

If something hurts and won't stop, go see a physio. Basically, this whole thing is incredibly natural and simple. Look at the kids out there, they don't analyse.

[Razouski]

It might be worth getting your gait checked out in case it's your shoes. There are also the strength and flex exercises on the podcast.

What about trying some of Realfoodieclub 's core exercises. Only 7 minutes a day healthunlocked.com/bridgeto....

[Millsie-J]

Make sure you warm up thoroughly and stretch well afterwards. Look up some hamstring and ITB stretches and do them daily.

[Jetts]

My advice would be to take up Pilates. It helps with alignment and posture as well as core strength and mobility.

[Sandraj39 Graduate10]

I agree, it might be worth getting checked out by a physio. A good one who knows about running can be worth their weight in gold. Are you stretching at all - I had pain behind my knee (on one side) where the bottom of my hamstring went in to the back of my knee. For me this was compensatory following nerve damage after sciatica and resolved as my nerve recovered but it could be a gait related issue. Maybe something to consider - hope it settles soon for you.☺

[misswobble Graduate10]

I think Pilates is good for everyone as is yoga, not just runners 🙂

[GoogleMe Graduate10]

Loads of good suggestions. I'll weigh in with my regular suggestion that if you have the option to do most of your running off road, take it. Tarmac and paving slabs are harder on the body.

[ju-ju- Graduate10]

Just get it checked out by a sports osteo or physio. I agree with you, and it doesn't have to be technical but our bodies are complex and don't have fully developed parts for running if we have spent our lives not doing it!! They will advise on exercises etc... do persevere and don't let this stop you. My osteopath says that there are very few people who can't actually run, but so many give up at the first hurdle which is so sad.....

[the_tea_fairy]

I'm with googleme on the off-road advice (also it is beautiful out there, and quite fun stomping through puddles like a toddler).

I also found squats, planks and leg-raises helped my speed and stability when I was running, and I'll start again as soon as my postnatal Pilates has got me to a stage where I'm slightly less of a relaxin-addled breastmilk-machine.