Running form

[pilquin]

Hi my running form is diabolical. I look like I’m escaping from some kind of accident being injured in it !

Does this improve ? Or am I stuck with this ugly jog !!

[Irish-John Graduate]

Like just about all of us, I felt very very self conscious about how I looked when I started this Running lark

I have asthma, screwed up footbones, was way overweight and basically after almost two years if enforced retirement from a career that really was my passion in life I had really let myself go due to depression.

Running - and I started out if sheer boredom and desperation to do ANYTHING new - is a new and wonderful thing for me, turned everything around and I love being where I am in life now. That former fat miserable cantankerous old bollix was left in the dust quite a wee while back

Don't let the tail wagging the dog If you want to run, run If you want to look elegant - and I'm not knocking that - wait untill you are happy with your time/speed/stamina/distance/whatever and then get the kind of coaching that will help Form. C25K is really all about the vital foundation of stamina - it's like learning the alphabet before you can go on to write "War and Peace"

PS - personally, I probably make Frankenstein look like that Bolt chap when running - but I bet I literally enjoy myself more than Mr. B

[OurB in reply to Irish-John]

Oh that made me laugh 😂 I too can’t imagine what I look like running but based on some of the concerned looks I was getting today on my first quite public run I’m guessing not good!! But I agree with Irish-John and don’t really care anymore, I can either sit on my couch and look serene but unfit or shift my ample ass look a fright but doing me some good. Other people have to deal with what I look like not me! Xx

[Theziggy Graduate in reply to Irish-John]

" but I bet I literally enjoy myself more than Mr. B"

That would be a lot of enjoyment IJ

[Irish-John Graduate in reply to Theziggy]

I just run - if he comes second I bet he takes stick for it

[Elfe5 Graduate]

Hmm, sympathy- I caught a glimpse of my shadow jogging beside me yesterday and thought

"Oh dear, oh no" & decided to look the other way quickly! Then I thought,...

"So what? I'm out here running and enjoying myself and relishing the positive impact it has on my life."

Yes I would like to look like a gazelle, but I never will! Gonna run any and not look!! 😃

[Theziggy Graduate in reply to Elfe5]

I had the misfortune to get the treadmill which had a mirror facing it, so I was effectively looking at myself running.

I had a mental picture of myself as a runner, sort of a cross between a gazelle, Mo Farah, and the Flash. My actual appearance was soooooooooo bad that I jumped off the treadmill after 3 minutes, that was all I could bear!

I preferred my mental image.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Form can be worked on, of course and many have criticised the C25K plan for not concentrating enough on it.

While your description of your form is vivid, it hardly gives us a starting point for a conversation about form and improving it. If you Google running form you will find enough information to keep you off the streets for quite some time.

Unfortunately, this is not an ugly duckling situation and you are not going to suddenly magically transform into an elegant and efficient runner. You have to consciously work on any aspects that are wrong, once you have identified them. Don't force anything, but just have an awareness and you will find that getting one part right will improve other aspects.

Joining a running club would be the best way to get help with form, if it is really worrying you.

[Millsie-J Graduate]

I have been running for 18 months now, and have been happy to just ‘run’. I have always read a lot and try to think about my form/ technique.

Recently I paid to see a physio due to a knee niggle. He is a long distance runner himself. He gave me specific strengthening exercises and stretches. Once we were sure I could begin running again, he took me out for a run........I was mightily impressed and thankful. He reviewed my running form, and advised on how I could improve it.

I am now slowly rebuilding my distance, (the furthest I have run is 12k pre injury). I am now concentrating on form. I can tell I am already much more of mid foot striker rather than my previous heel strike, and I am better activating my gluts.

So I agree with IannodaTruffe , try a running club if you really want to improve your form, experienced guidance is key.

[misswobble Graduate]

I noticed in a race I ran last weekend that there were runners with all sorts of physical difficulties but were running just fine in spite of them

I wouldn't worry. As you get fitter you will be able to pick your feet up more. I shuffled along quite happily for ages