Running CLOCKWISE!!: Why does it feel so odd to... - Couch to 5K

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Running CLOCKWISE!!

Joster profile image
JosterGraduate
14 Replies

Why does it feel so odd to run in a clockwise loop? I’ve not done a whole lot of running but my two routes have a “block” to run round and I run both blocks anti clockwise. As I am now running more than I am walking in order to make my route a bit longer I added in an extra leg today but it meant I had to run another loop clockwise and it just didn’t feel right at all!

Is it just me?!?

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Joster profile image
Joster
Graduate
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14 Replies
IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Have you tried running upside down?

It is well known that if you run on heavily cambered roads then it is advisable to turn round half way and return on the same side of the road to make sure muscles don't develop out of balance..........but whether that is clockwise or anticlockwise is new to me.........

........it might just be you.

Well done, despite the uncomfortable rotation!.

in reply toIannodaTruffe

Think I can safely say my muscle would appreciate a change of direction too

Couchpotato2 profile image
Couchpotato2Graduate

I dont like anti-clockwise :-)

ButtercupKid profile image
ButtercupKidGraduate

I prefer anti-clockwise and have to remind myself to go clockwise sometimes in order to balance the wear on my knees. Like a lot of autistic people I’m mixed handed ie have no strong left/right preference, so I’m always pleasantly surprised when I know where I’m going at all 😁

Elfe5 profile image
Elfe5Graduate

Clockwise has not occurred to me- but uphill rather than down - I notice that! 😂

Willunga profile image
Willunga

Is it because we’re subconsciously thinking of running tracks? They’re always anti clockwise aren’t they?

Ha ha never really thought about it but yes I too run my routes anti clockwise, wondering now if the left hip/ knee pain I have is due to the camber of people's driveways from always running anti clockwise. So next run on Tuesday I will definitely try running the route backwards aka clockwise.

Joster profile image
JosterGraduate

I think it’s the running track thing! And you are all right - now I’m running a bit further and more regions need to mix things up to keep me/my running balanced.

Good point about road camber too!

Thanks everyone. 😃🏃‍♀️😃🏃‍♀️😃

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate

Were you a track athlete in a former life??? Actually, we see them run anti-clockwise but they run clockwise just as much in training for reasons similar to the camber issue IannodaTruffe mentioned.

What I have noticed is that when I run a regular route for a few runs it seems really weird to run it the other way... regardless of which direction I did first.

Joster profile image
JosterGraduate in reply toUnfitNoMore

Possibly in a former life ,but not in this one. I've never run before other than as part of a team sport at school.

I am going to try going in the other direction ! Reckon I'll get all confused and confudled!

Geordiehousewife profile image
GeordiehousewifeGraduate

I'd never thought about it until now but my 3 runs to date were all variations on the same route. First run was clockwise, then twice anti clockwise which sort of felt better.

Joster profile image
JosterGraduate

I nearly ran clockwise round the track today (first time on a track whilst daughter doing sport) but several other runners gave me a funny look so I did go anticlockwise.... but which ever way I had gone, the issue was running into the WIND on the home straight of each lap! New running day, new running challenge (I am totally new to this game,, as you can probably gather!)

Maisiek profile image
Maisiek

This really interested me so I put it in a well known search engine and it’s a well known fact! It’s been put down to all sorts-

Position of the heart and centrifugal force of the blood going round, rotation of the earth ,and dominant right - handedness of people ! Merry go rounds and church spiral staircases go anti clockwise. Who knew! (I run straight along a prom and back 😜

Joster profile image
JosterGraduate in reply toMaisiek

Well, well, I didn't think to look it up, thank you for those insights! I mixed it up today, did two clockwise loops for the "loopy" parts of my run.... actually realised that in terms of fewer roads to cross, the first clockwise loop is better than going anti clockwise! The second clockwise loop means I finish my 25 minute run in a good spot to then have a warm down walk as well. I'm converted!

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