Impact and posture tips please: I know that when... - Couch to 5K

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Impact and posture tips please

hwarren9 profile image
6 Replies

I know that when I run a can be quite heavy when landing on my feet. This isn't currently affecting my knees but I'm worried it will start to be a problem. I don't like the fact that I can hear my feet in my head when I run with in ear headphones. Anyone else have this problem or a solution to overcome it? I think it's probably partially to do with my posture too.

Thank you in advance.

Heidi

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hwarren9 profile image
hwarren9
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6 Replies
Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

Kissing the ground with your feet... that is what I call it.. ( and davelinks always giggles at me:))

Think about it and try to do it.. it works... I do it, still :) Many of us started and sometimes still land heavily.. concentration maybe...but it can be helped:)

Try to run, head up and shoulders relaxed.. slow and steady and do not push too hard.. rest day exercise can help too... stretches and strength and flex..

active.com/running/articles...

runnersworld.com/the-body-s...

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

You may be overstriding, which will often result in heelstrike, which, while it is strangely advocated in the C25K podcasts and app, is considered by the majority opinion across the running world as being poor form, often causing knee problems or shin splints in new runners. Mid or forefoot strike is considered better, but don't agonise too much if you are a natural heelstriker.

Your footstrike should be under your body not out in front, so shortening stride can overcome this problem. To speed up, apart from a short sprint, it is preferable to increase cadence rather than stride.

Keep relaxed, throughout your body and let it flow.

trevorjl profile image
trevorjlGraduate

Sound travels out of our ears, so when we block them up with earphones it reduces that and we can hear 'internal' sounds.

To prevent it you could wear your earphones looser, although this could lead to them falling out, or switch to on-ear headphones. I wear neckband headphones which still fit securely, and I find them very comfortable.

Bluebirdrunner profile image
BluebirdrunnerGraduate

I agree with Oldfloss and lannodatruffe, take short, light,steps with your feet directly under you and keep your body upright. Shoulders down and relaxed chest open arms at your sides swinging backwards and forwards not across the body.

Don't worry if it takes a while to perfect your technique, it will happen as your running progresses.

These are tips that Laura gives on the c25k + podcasts and since adopting this short light step technique my back no longer twinges.

Good luck 😊x

HeleneCorsa profile image
HeleneCorsaGraduate

I am no expert here whatsoever but I have a hunch that good core strength also helps in keeping your footfalls lighter - just as in classical ballet, placement, jumps and landing, and obviously pointe work are dependent on lift and stability from the core. I have noticed that when I am conscious of my midsection being a bit more "engaged" and upright (helped, oddly, by keeping my eyes far ahead, not sure why), then I feel my steps are lighter. This would make sense in relation to your comment about posture.

hwarren9 profile image
hwarren9

Thank you all. Very helpful. I will keep a mind on all was I go through my next run.

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