Quote:
Originally Posted by jumpinjohn1234
Hi I wanted to know if there were any other runners here with some running tips? I've been trying to last longer, run faster, and enjoy running more. I usually do a lot of trail/road/uphilll running.
i.e.
1. relaxing fingers when running helps
2. relaxing the neck
3. Dont let your arms cross your body when running
Any tips you have?
Thanks
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I used to run cross country and track for 10 years, including 4 at a D1 college where competition was just about at the national level. The first two are more personal than anything, but I'm not sure what relaxing the neck means. You don't want your head flopping all over the place, just keep it straight and don't move it around. Also, drive your wrists to your hips, keep your elbows at a 90 degree angle, and do
not drive with your shoulders. That means you shouldn't look like you're "pulling rope". To practice this motion, stand if front of a mirror with some 5lb plates or dumbbells and simulate the running motion with your upper body.
When I ran, I developed a mental checklist that I would go through. I'd start at my head and make sure it was straight. Ok, next is the shoulders, keep them straight, don't move. Drive up with my elbows, and don't pull rope. Keep the breathing steady, and eyes up. Drive my knees up, be fluid and don't bounce. Then, I'd start it all over! It tends to take your mind off the pain too, which is a bonus.
Quote:
Originally Posted by rockin_amigo14
run using your whole foot, not just the backs or balls
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I'm not sure what this means, but when you run, you should
generally be planting on your midfoot. You should develop a wear pattern on your shoes that starts on your outside heel and continues to run towards your big toe. However, this boils down to ones natural mechanics, and you can't do much to change this.
Like others suggested, definately get a good pair of shoes from a specialized running store. They'll be able to analyize your stride and will put you in the best shoes. You can even go as far as buying shoes in pairs of two, and switching them every day. This will allow them to last longer and could potentially ward off injuries.
Touching on the shoe topic again, if you have a tendancy to over-pronate or over-supinate, then getting custom made molded inserts for your shoes could be a life saver. I saw a teammate go through
3 stress fractures, including one in his femur, all because he needed some extra support from some inserts.
Breathing can be tricky for many people, since it's something you never think about. However, I found that breathing through just your nose or just your mouth is a bad idea. Breath through both! That's the only way to get the most amount of oxygen into your blood. Also, there are some books that will tell you to inhale for X amount of strides and exhale for another X amount. BS I say. Just keep your breathing controlled and steady, and do not let it become erratic or shallow and you'll be fine.
Did I miss anything?
