Anyone else get neck-ache after they’ve run?!!

[Kertesz]

Hello - earlier this week I completed W5R2... almost immediately afterwards I had a kind of whiplash-ish neck ache (though believe me, this wasn’t caused by me running too fast and then braking suddenly!!). Am wondering if I was tense in some way whilst running (I’m always a bit Annie Anxiety before a run...) - or if there might be another possible cause...? Thanks in advance.

[DiscoRunner Graduate]

Does sound like tension. Now I know you’re a niko niko runner! Try focusing on your arms, and core. On first viewing of that film I focused very much on my foot placement, a subsequent viewing of the film i realised I needed to do think of my core too. Have another look & see if there’s something you can work on re holding your arms correctly?

[Kertesz in reply to DiscoRunner]

Thank you!! I think that’s exactly it... I have also been focussing on my foot placement and prob been spending too much time whilst running ‘shoe-gazing’. Will deffo re-view video this eve and look again at other elements... I’ve got the Big 20 this weekend, so would like to try and get it sorted x thanks again.

[Madge50 Graduate]

Sounds like you’re tensing your shoulders too much, which in turn tenses the neck........i get that sometimes. Try and consciously relax your shoulders down and back, let your arms go where they feel comfortable, but don’t let your arms cross the front of your body as you take a stride.

I wouldn’t overthink it too much, maybe do some arm swings before you start, and every so often shake your arms out.

Also, keep your jaw relaxed, have a smile every so often....remind yourself, you’re doing great!

Hope that helps.

Mx

[Kertesz in reply to Madge50]

Thanks Madge - all very helpful. Will do as you suggest - and try for relaxed smile too, rather than rictus grin I think I might currently be sporting!! X

[Cfc55 Graduate]

I’ve often been told I’m a pain in the neck, 😂 but fortunately never suffered it when running! Almost certainly tension, running posture. A few shoulder shrugs and shaking out your arms should help along with consciously trying to relax more in the run 🙂👍

[Kertesz in reply to Cfc55]

I have Taylor Swift’s ‘Shake it off’ on my playlist... will make sure I have it on repeat to remind myself of your advice... 😂. Thank you!

[Cfc55 Graduate in reply to Kertesz]

😂🤦‍♂️not a TS fan I’m afraid but if she works for you then u go for it 😂! Hows your knees holding up? Your advice on the “fairy steps” has worked a treat for me. Fair flying now I have less pain 😂, but I do get some funny looks at my running style 😂

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Are you carrying anything in your hands? That can create tension. Hands should be loose and relaxed.

[Kertesz in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you - No, I’m running ‘hands free’, but sometimes feel like my arms are very ‘heavy’ despite me trying to relax them, so need to look at this.

[molly1973 Graduate]

I used to have this. I think about my arm position, not too tense and alongside rather than across my body. I also consciously lower and pull back my shoulders from time to time. I sometimes do some shoulder swings and pull my shoulder blades together as part of my warm up walk, which also helps. I have run with my phone in my hand up to yesterday and it is liberating (I got a running belt) but I was able to sort out my neck ache whilst carrying it.

[Kertesz in reply to molly1973]

Hi Molly - thanks for this. Your words echo my yoga teacher’s - which I have in my head, but seen not to act on, somehow 😂 - will deffo try to do as you suggest - it’s the Big 20 this weekend, so want to try and get it sorted. And happy hands-free running to you, too! X

[molly1973 Graduate in reply to Kertesz]

Enjoy your run. Slow and steady is key, you’ll be great!