Thumping!

I ran without Laura yesterday because my phone wasn't charged, the first thing I noticed was the thumping of my feet! Someone here mentioned running like you're sneaking up on someone - well, they wouldn't just hear me, they would feel me coming by he shaking of the ground! Any suggestions/comments?

[GettingFitter Graduate]

Not really curly I too sound like an elephant but mybreathing alsosounds like it is coming from an asthmatic elephant.As long as it gets the job done who cares

[mossy1 Graduate]

I agree with GettingFitter above - I sometimes scare myself with my breathing - especially on the hills. I don't think I am very light of foot either although I am running on country roads so only the cattle in the fields seem to wonder what's happening. I do like to see good fences though otherwise my speed would definitely have to increase!!

[mossy1 Graduate in reply to mossy1]

There's a link on the right of the page to

nhs.uk/Livewell/c25k/Pages/...

this has a video including how to strike the ground lightly as you run - you may have already seen it though

[notbad Graduate]

Like the sneaking up advice I try to concentrate on picking up my feet quickly, that seems to help.

[runningnearbeirut Graduate]

I think if you are aware that your feet are hitting the ground really hard, you can try to do something about it. If they really are making that much noise then it's *possible* you might do some damage with the impact you are subjecting your feet and knees to.

Try taking short, light steps and think about Laura's hint about keeping your head steady so someone on the other side of a hedge wouldn't know that you were running.

Also, what part of your foot do you land on? Try aiming for the middle part of your foot rather than your heel. However, if that means changing your running style, then do that gradually (voice of experience speaking - I was in agony with really tight calves for 3 days when I switched in one go!).

[tanyag_163 Graduate]

I must say, you are doing pretty well - second run without Laura? I repeated week 9 long after I graduated, as it terrified me to think I was on my own.

[dottiemay Graduate]

Try to run tall, head up facing forward just in front of you. Imagine you have a cord attached to your shoulders which is gently pulling you up. Don't slouch into your hips.

You'll be surprised at the difference it makes and how much less effort it actually takes!

[Hidden]

I watched that video of those 100 mile 80 + lady runners that was posted on here, they were doing short fast strides and copying that has made my thumpy feet much less thumpy, plus I have no post run aches in my knees and ankles now. I can't run anywhere near 100 miles though !!

[misswobble Graduate]

The stealth running this is used for running uphill, and it works. You run like you're running on hot coals

I wouldn't worry too much about your style Curly. You run how you feel comfortable. You're only noticing it cos you've not go music on. As you get fitter you will go faster but give it time, you'll get there, and as you get fitter and go faster, then your running gait might be more elegant and lighter than it is now. It's like anything else, it needs practice

[Hidden]

Thanks for all the advice. I watched the video, she has a long stride doesn't she? I'm nowhere near that yet...I think I'm flying along then catch sight of a reflection and realise I'm taking tiny baby steps... Miss wobble, you're probably right, style will come later. Off for my graduation run as soon as the fog clears.