Running stance advice needed!

[Spacemonkey14]

Hi I’ve been running 5k for a year and I regularly go to park run, which has resulted in lots of pictures from the organisers and I have noticed I don’t have a great running style! It feels fine when I’m running but I look like I’m hovering just above the ground and my right leg in particular kicks out a lot! Are there any tips on how to retrain your gait? I’ve tried better shoes and bespoke inner soles but not seeing any improvement. Many thanks

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10]

About to run my first parkrun next month and wondering where you see those photos of yourself running, that is something I would not like to see is a photograph of myself running 🏃 😂🤔🙄😏

[Spacemonkey14 in reply to AlMorr]

Depends on the park run but my local has a volunteer photograph on the finishing line, it’s not so bad to see yourself, everyone looks equally puffed out 😂

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10 in reply to Spacemonkey14]

👍 🏃 Thanks, I suppose we all look like beetroots😊

[Spacemonkey14 in reply to AlMorr]

Took me a few months to get the confidence up to go to park run, wish I’d gone sooner, it’s a great way to start the weekend 😀 I hope you have a great time and enjoy it 😎

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10 in reply to Spacemonkey14]

👍

[Chris141 Graduate10 in reply to AlMorr]

On their website. They usually have a photographer taking pics of the event. It’s OK I been taken twice when I was running with my daughter. Think that’s why she decided I need proper running gear! LOL

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10 in reply to Chris141]

👍 🏃

[Zippy17726]

Hi Spacemonkey,

I’m sure there may be some better answers soon but firstly I think we will all be criticial over ourselves not looking like ‘a perfect runner’ and if you have been running as long as you have with no problems or injuries then maybe it is just your running style?

Maybe one leg is slightly stronger , muscles tighter on one side?

With me, for some reason I feel my left leg doesn’t lift as high as my right when I run and I also feel a tightness at the bottom of my bottom on that side (google says that’s where hamstring attaches??) so presume I have tightness there so maybe it’s due to something muscular?

My only thoughts would be a proper musculoskeletal physio assessment or maybe gait analysis as a start if you’re concerned.

[Spacemonkey14 in reply to Zippy17726]

I might try the physio, thanks. I guess I’m just worried about damaging myself if I am running awkwardly without being aware. Not looking to compete or anything, just improve for my health 🙂

[UpTheStanley Graduate10]

If you’re comfortable while you run, and your muscles not painfully stiff later, I wouldn’t change anything for the sake of a pretty photo! If you actually want to win races, it might be worth the pain, but running for fun is a natural activity 😀👍

[Spacemonkey14 in reply to UpTheStanley]

Thanks 🙂 it’s not so much for a better photo it’s just that I look awkward when I see pics and videos but maybe it’s just inexperience 🤷🏼‍♀️

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10]

Have you had a gait analysis SM? I found the process fascinating. Mine was an all bells and whistles 90 minute one from Mr Cheeky for my birthday. It might be worth looking into one if you’re worried and haven’t had one already. Everyone’s different though, so try not to focus on what you think you should look like. 👍