So I apparently I run wrong...

disneygirl76

disneygirl76

Carey Poppins - Nanny and Disney Enthusiest
Original Poster
Hey all,

So as I mentioned before, my Mizuno's are giving me trouble. However, after speaking to the most amazing running specialist at Finnish Line yesterday (my DH was just looking for a pair of shoes to start running in). He literally spent over an hour with my DH and I. He taught us so much about shoes, gate, etc. So I was fitted for Mizuno's because I am a heavy heel hitter. Its not the shoes that are giving me problems - its me giving me problems! So he gave me some tips on how to train to help me run so I no longer hit my heel. The reason for the Mizuno's is so that I don't get injured during my runs b/c of my gate. I had no idea that was why I was fitted for the shoes that were recommended for me!!!!

I am going to head out for a run here in a bit and see what happens with this new body alignment and stance. I am hoping this helps b/c over the past few weeks, as my runs are getting longer, the pain is getting more and more.

And then, talking to my friend yesterday about all this new found knowledge, she asked a great question - since she does the same thing - is that why she has over devolved calves? I said I didn't know but since I too have herculean size calves, as does she, I am wondering if this is why.

I am so excited to try the run this a.m. and see if it makes a difference!

What is the best tip you got when you started running?
 
JillC LI

JillC LI

Well-Known Member
Let me just give you my thoughts on this issue of changing your gait, for whatever they are worth. Most new runners are heel strikers. And while it may be more efficient to modify your running form to become let's say a mid-foot striker, it is generally not recommended that you do so in the early stages of running. Experts say that whatever you find comfortable when you start running is probably what is most efficient for your body at that time. Intentionally changing your gait will likely lead to discomfort from the use of different body parts which could lead to injury. I was definitely a less than graceful runner when I first started, and my form has definitely changed over time. I will never look like the gazelles that the elites resemble, but I stick with what is comfortable for me, and it has always worked. And yes, I am still a heel striker, and I use running shoes with lots of cushioning and support. Oh, and ever since I was a child (when I did tons of gymnastics), I have always had calves that are too muscular to fit into any of the cutesy stylish boots! Oh well.
 
Kristia

Kristia

Well-Known Member
I have always been a mid-foot striker but I just wanted to add that I have always had huge calves as well. Trying to find English riding boots that go to almost the knee and still fit my huge calves is nearly impossible! Even the wide calf boots are too small. Drives me crazy. Who are these pencil-legged riders?! :D
 
Texas84

Texas84

Well-Known Member
I was a heel striker. Best tip I had was to pretend you're gripping the pavement with your toes and push off with them. Sounds strange but it worked for me. I've read a lot of articles saying don't try to change as well as the other side.

Also shorten your stride and stay low to the ground. Almost a shuffle. I once saw some guy running and bouncing like a kangaroo. Wanted to tackle him.
 
Kristia

Kristia

Well-Known Member
I also once read that running is like a "controlled fall". If you bend forward slightly at your hips, it can help you hit your mid-foot more. I often try to think about that when I am running.
 
TrolleyFollower91

TrolleyFollower91

Well-Known Member
Intentionally changing your gait will likely lead to discomfort from the use of different body parts which could lead to injury.
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Totally agree. I had terrible knee pain which then caused my ankles to hurt due to trying to run differently. After being diagnosed with chondromalacia, I focused on physical therapy/strength training exercises to help my weak knee caps. A few weeks and some knee braces later, I could run again pain free. I definitely recommend not trying to change your gait all at once- maybe focus on one thing, like staying closer to the ground with shorter steps?
 
disneygirl76

disneygirl76

Carey Poppins - Nanny and Disney Enthusiest
Original Poster
Kristia said:
I have always been a mid-foot striker but I just wanted to add that I have always had huge calves as well. Trying to find English riding boots that go to almost the knee and still fit my huge calves is nearly impossible! Even the wide calf boots are too small. Drives me crazy. Who are these pencil-legged riders?! :D
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HA! Yes! I found one pair that I could get over these puppies and I am not sure what i will do if anything happens to them!
 
disneygirl76

disneygirl76

Carey Poppins - Nanny and Disney Enthusiest
Original Poster
Thanks! Today I tried out the new gate for a 1/4 mile per the recommendation from the mad genius I talked to yesterday. And it totally made a difference!!!! I didn't feel any pain and once I went to my "regular" gate, the shin and calf issues began. So he said each week add another 1/4 mile. And eventually it will take over. I have heard horror stories too. Actually a girl who is a runner got new shoes - the kind like you are running barefoot. And she went for a run - a long one! And now, she is in a boot with a tear in her knee!

Slow and steady for sure with this change for sure! :)
 
Texas84

Texas84

Well-Known Member
Something else. It took me a long time to find the right shoe. I got fitted and they set me up with a stability shoe and it messed me up bad. I could barely walk after running. I changed to a neutral cushioning shoe and have been fine ever since. Sometimes it's just trial and error. They were right about me running with the wrong size though. And that did help.
 
diddy_mouse

diddy_mouse

Well-Known Member
I know when I first started I was told my pronation was neutral even with my high arches. I currently run in Brooks which were awesome for my 10k. The one thing I did notice was that if I "ran tall" with my chest and head up, I felt like I could run longer and not get as tired. I also fell back on my dance posture techniques and thought about lifting up and not sinking down with each footfall.

I think whatever method you find works best for you, stick to it.
 
disneygirl76

disneygirl76

Carey Poppins - Nanny and Disney Enthusiest
Original Poster
Thanks! When I first started running I just thought, okay, grab a pair of sneakers and out you go. Who knew there were all these different things to learn and know! I ran 5 times last week while on vacation but haven't been since Saturday. My body hurts - spent Saturday drinking, dancing and singing at a wedding and yesterday spent 10 + hours in the car driving home. So hopefully I will get a run in tomorrow. I miss it!
 
Mr mom

Mr mom

Well-Known Member
disneygirl76 said:
Thanks! When I first started running I just thought, okay, grab a pair of sneakers and out you go. Who knew there were all these different things to learn and know! I ran 5 times last week while on vacation but haven't been since Saturday. My body hurts - spent Saturday drinking, dancing and singing at a wedding and yesterday spent 10 + hours in the car driving home. So hopefully I will get a run in tomorrow. I miss it!
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When you miss running and worse when you see someone running and you want to jump out of your car and go with them, you are hooked.
 
6laurac

6laurac

Well-Known Member
Stay low limit bouncing and keep your strides short-Really works like Texas84 said. You will be amazed once you run mileage how much of a difference it makes.

Also, the best tip I ever got was as important as the shoes you wear are your socks. I love my running Thorlo's. Made here in NC and the best socks ever.
 
Texas84

Texas84

Well-Known Member
6laurac said:
Stay low limit bouncing and keep your strides short-Really works like Texas84 said. You will be amazed once you run mileage how much of a difference it makes.

Also, the best tip I ever got was as important as the shoes you wear are your socks. I love my running Thorlo's. Made here in NC and the best socks ever.
Click to expand...

I actually thought about starting a sock thread. I'll check those out. Thanks!
 

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