Aargh!

[SeeJillRun]

As I’m starting Ju-Ju’s plan on Monday, I set off for the second time this week with no plan in mind, just 30 minutes of running.

Well it was horrible!! Every step was a slog, my left leg kept landing harder than usual if I didn’t concentrate, I got tangled up in Killamarsh Kestrels 14 mile race, and I can’t seem to stop leaning forward! What’s that all about??

Anyway, it might’ve been hard work but somehow my average pace was 4 seconds faster than Thursday’s run (with 4 rest days before it!), and I managed to push it a bit for the last minute too so it’s not all bad

If anyone has any tips or ideas to help me stop leaning forward, I’d really appreciate them 😊

[roseabi]

Do you know why you're leaning forward? Are you looking at the ground a lot, perhaps? If you're worried about what's on the ground, try checking it a little further ahead. Keep glancing down, using mainly eye movement rather than your whole head and/or body, but try to keep your gaze forward for the majority of the time.

If you are just generally slumping from your hips, concentrate on keeping yourself upright - shoulders relaxed down and back, elbows darting backwards behind you. Something I find has helped me recently: Have a look at some videos of Eliud Kipchoge running. See how high his hands come up as he runs? Try copying that. This may be unnatural for you, and you don't have to keep doing it forever, but I find it really helps me focus on keeping an upright posture. If I notice myself starting to slump (happens as one gets tired!) I think Eliud 😄

This leaning forwards is quite likely to be due to weakness in your core, so some strengthening exercises may well help - they are generally excellent for runners. The best and simplest is the plank.

Good luck, and I hope you enjoy the Magic Plan!! 😊😊😊

[SeeJillRun 60minGraduate in reply to roseabi]

Thanks for your very comprehensive reply 😃 I do tend to look at the ground quite a bit sometimes. The trail I run can be quite puddly and there’s rubbly bits on some of it so I need to look down to place my feet at times, which I can’t do without moving my head.

I do yoga regularly and have been planking for a couple of weeks so I don’t think it’s a weak core issue. It seems to be happening more as my pace has increased though

I have been trying to focus more on what my arms do as it definitely helps me move better if they ‘pump’ rather than just moving backwards and forwards. I think I know what you mean but I’ll hunt out some video of Eliud n have a watch. I found him fascinating to watch in the London marathon and did notice how he uses his arms

Thanks again! 😊

[Kertesz Graduate10 in reply to roseabi]

Thanks Roseabi... this is really detailed... and really helpful for me too... *jumps on YouTube to watch Eliud Kipchoge*

[Irishprincess Graduate10]

Imagine an invisible piece of string pulling you up from your shoulders, at the same time make sure your shoulders are pulled back and down. Your head will automatically sit in the right place.

[SeeJillRun 60minGraduate in reply to Irishprincess]

I’ve tried that n it definitely works but as soon as I stop focusing on it I’m back to leaning forwards. It seems to be happening more as my pace is increasing 😩☹️

[Irishprincess Graduate10 in reply to SeeJillRun]

Like everything else it’ll get easier to remember the more you do it. Do you do Pilates? It’s very good for strengthening the core and improving posture. I gained an inch in height from Pilates through better posture!

[SeeJillRun 60minGraduate in reply to Irishprincess]

I’ve done it in the past but not recently. I know it works for posture, it cured my residual whiplash after 2 weeks of classes realigned me 😊 I’ll have a look n see if I can find a class. Thanks 😊

[RunRunRun13 Graduate10]

Well at least you had gone faster Jill and it’s bizarre that we always seem to still have bad runs ! Your definitely not alone...can’t answer the leaning forward question but I know I do it when I start flaking or get tired (or trying to get up a hill) 🤣

[SeeJillRun 60minGraduate in reply to RunRunRun13]

I definitely do it more when I’m tired but it just seems to happen as my pace is increasing. I realise everything is harder work n oops, I’m leaning forward again. I’m going to try using my arms like Eliud Kipchoge n see if that helps 😁🤞

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10]

You have had great advice.. it is just a habit when you have done it for a while it does become second nature

[SeeJillRun 60minGraduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks, I’ve definitely got plenty to work on 😊