Running got a bit rubbish for a couple of weeks, last run was 5k 10 days ago. After that run, which I’d very much enjoyed at the time, the Gremlins took up residence.
My husband had taken a quick video of me running. When I’d seen it, I felt so demoralised, my running looked awful. Legs looked like wooden tree trunks, the heels were striking ground first, (explaining some pains), the left foot dangled out sideways like it was someone else’s and so on. And yet at the point he’d taken it, I had felt I was gliding on air!! So, after 10 days of feeling useless etc etc, I decided to go out and do something about it this morning. I set out to do 2k focussing on foot strike position. To not worry about pace etc.
Anyway, I ended up doing a 5k, focussing as much as possible on placing my feet on ground as close to mid foot as I could. Had a good run even though ear plugs packed in so no music, maybe that helped! I know though that in the past something like that would have packed me in for good with an activity but running has given me that mental determination to find a way through.
So, I’ll try to keep some focus on technique, continue my strength exercises but most importantly continue to love my running- whatever I look like!!
Written by
Dowat
Graduate10
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Fortunately I have never stopped to think about how I look when running...if it feels good it is working😊. I have tried to shorten my stride a bit. I noticed that a proper runner I ran with at the weekend took two steps to my one..my long stride is probably more likely to cause injury..but it feels really natural, so I am not over worried...think I will steer clear of cameras!😊
Go and do Parkrun and watch how people move. Very few of us are pretty! We are bombarded with Hollywood images of just the best looking people and real life isn’t like that. Done look at vids or photos of yourself, just go on how you feel and you’ll be fine. Good luck with your running, you’re doing the right thing and will feel better mentally and physically for it 👏
It absolutely is! Bit cross with myself for getting so hung up about it. Hey ho, another lesson learnt! Who’d have thought running would teach you so much.
If your natural gait is heel striking, be careful about changing it. I did, and started suffering from calf niggles, enough to put me on the IC for a week on one occasion. So now if I feel tightness coming on, I go back onto my heels for a while - and I try to remember to do calf strengthening exercises when I don’t run.
That’s sensible because I stopped wearing mine with warmer weather which in hindsight could have been when some of aches re-occurred. I must put vanity aside when I run!
Running is running no matter how you look Dowat! I’m quite a ‘neat’ runner apparently, but there are some people at PR with interesting styles (🤔) and they fly past me!
I really wouldn’t worry too much about how you look as long as you aren’t in pain - in which case maybe some different shoes/gait analysis would be a good idea.
It sounds like you’re doing fine though. Everyone gets gremlins. Nasty little blighters! 😅
I know how you felt, I have seem photos of me running and felt really low as a result. I dont like how i feel when I run. I think I’ll concentrate on the feeling for now!
I would hate to see a video of me! 🤣🤣🤣 my combo of long compression socks and shorts plus all the kit... no thanks!
Well done on beating the buggers off. 👍💪🤺
As mentioned by UpTheStanley be careful playing with gait. I watched a Salomon trail running video where an expert said that we learn to run as children, it is intrinsic to us and we should not try to change it unless we are in rehabilition from a big injury. Just run how you run that feels normal to you.
It can be good to think about form but don't let it get in the way of just enjoying yourself 😁
Thanks poohbear, yep 10kgraduate, but think maybe some poor habits have developed! I’ve had a good run since which has definitely helped restore positivity but I’m certainly more conscious of posture and how I move now. So much learning with this running. But so loving it.
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but seem to help 
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