Unwelcome Gremlins sent packing this morning, yes oh yes!

[Dowat]

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!!

[Beachcomber66 Graduate10]

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!😊

[Dowat Graduate10 in reply to Beachcomber66]

Indeed. I feel the camera carried the Gremlin. Lol!

[BaddieThePirate Graduate10]

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 👏

[Dowat Graduate10 in reply to BaddieThePirate]

You’re absolutely right. I’ve had a much more positive feel already since this morning’s run.

[Granspeed Graduate10]

This story is an excellent reason to have a “no videos” policy. I am instituting one at once! 😄 Thank you!

And so glad you conquered those gremlins hiding in the camera. 👏🏼🎉

[Dowat Graduate10]

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.

[UpTheStanley Graduate10]

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.

Good luck!

[Dowat Graduate10 in reply to UpTheStanley]

Oh that’s helpful to know. I was wondering whether to stay with natural gait and keep focussed on strengthening to match it. Thanks for info.

[UpTheStanley Graduate10 in reply to Dowat]

Oh, and I've started wearing knee-length compression socks - look weird with shorts but seem to help

[Dowat Graduate10 in reply to UpTheStanley]

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!

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10]

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! 😅

[Couchpotato2]

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!

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate10]

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 😁

[Dowat Graduate10 in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

I’m so glad to hear that, thank you. I’m going to be aware but decided not to do something that feels alien. Feeling much more positive once again.

[poohbear2608]

Are you a graduate? Only asking as after graduating I found the C25K+ runs very informative about running posture.

[Dowat Graduate10 in reply to poohbear2608]

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.