running form ?

[emily_in_nc]

I bought Chi Running but have not read it yet. I tend to have a short stride, high cadence (maybe from being a cyclist who spins rather than mashes -- or maybe just from being a slow, shuffling new runner!), and I think I do more of a mid-foot strike than a heel strike, though I haven't had a knowledgeable runner watch me, so I couldn't say for sure. On the treadmill I do use 1% incline and find myself running on the front, so if that's an indication, I don't think I'm a heel striker. I might be more so outside, though, with real hills.

One thing I need to do soon is go to a running store and be fitted for shoes. I bought my current running shoes, New Balance 754s, at REI because they were on sale and seemed to fit well (I learned from having black toenail with a previous pair of shoes that I needed to size up a half-size over my street shoes), but I have no idea what would really be the "best" shoes for me. I did have a quickie analysis at a fitness fair at work, and the gentleman (who works at a running shoe shop) said I overpronated with my left foot only, so I've been using a wrap-around arch support on that foot only when I run, and it feels great -- I never even notice it. But really, I need to get new shoes. Just haven't had time, with working overtime, getting ready for a new puppy, and going to the coast this weekend.

JoAnn -- great question, thanks for bringing it up! By the way, I currently only run three times a week and have still been able to improve a lot. I really think at my age (47 next month), it is best for my body to have at least one not-running day between each running day. So I run twice during the week and once on weekends, and lift 2x a week on two of the other days. Cycling will start up very soon now, hopefully 2x a week. Cross-cross training: good; running in cross-training shoes: bad.

Emily

[Jo-n-NY]

Emily, you will notice such a difference by getting fit for sneakers at a running store. I did that when we got the treadmill in January. Up until now, I was mainly fitness walking and the proper sneakers made such a difference even with that.

Since I have my x-trainer sneakers here at work already, I could have began the program, but I will wait until next week so I can begin on the right foot, literally, with the correct sneaker. Since I commute from Long Island to Manhattan, bringing my running sneakers back and forth is a real pain.

My lunch runs will leave me free so I can bike ride outdoors after work now that we have more sun (if the weather will cooporate). I plan on a metric century and century ride in May and June so I really need to to get some road miles in before these rides.

LOL, awe talking about age, I am 52, but I like to think they are only numbers. My girlfriend has to keep bringing me down a few notches as I am always looking at what others do and accomplish and she reminds me that they are 20 or 30 years younger than us. oh well.

~ JoAnn

[teigyr]

Being fit for shoes makes a HUGE difference. I used to go to outlet stores or shop sales and would think "Avia makes a decent shoe, I think...." and I'd get the cute ones with pretty colors. When I was fit, it turns out I should wear mens running shoes because they're wider. Turns out after I was fit, I no longer got blisters all the time

I don't know about the stores where you are but there are some here that let you take the shoes out for a run as you test them. The store also has treadmills and the one I go to has a 60 day return policy.

I still look at the shoes with the pretty colors and plaintively ask if perhaps a womans shoe would fit me. I am always told no. But no blisters or pain IS a good thing!

Jo, it sounds like you have a great job.

Emily, I also have ChiRunning but haven't read it. I have trouble with translating what I read to reality (ie I think I'm doing something and I'm not, or I think I'm not doing something and I am) so maybe this is something better done in a class or with a partner. At least for me.

[horsemom]

I am glad someone else can't always read and relate!! I always want my husband to read the directions and then tell me how it works!

I believe I am an overstrider - I tend to be a power bike pedaler also. My goal for this season is to shorten up and 'spin' whether I am afoot or astride! I have been working on that in spin class all winter and on the treadmill.

Interesting topic!!

BTW, I was fitted for running shoes by an ultramarathoner who knows his sport. He sold me shoes that were *TWO* sizes bigger than what I had always worn. They felt great, but looked like clown shoes. When I ordered new ones, I got them only one size bigger than my street shoes, and sure enough, I have a black second toe nail. Now I have to paint one there for the summer when I wear toe polish!! Vanity gets you every time!! I guess it is clown feet for me!!

Laura

[Jo-n-NY]

I would not have chosen the sneaker I got either. They brought out 3 and put two different ones on at a time to walk in and weed out. I had to try all my best to think of what felt best and not what looked best.

I ended up with a grey and navy New Balance with pink trim and wavy shoelaces. At first I thought they were completely ugly. However, these just felt really good. As it turns out a portion of the proceeds go to Breast Cancer and the shoe laces do not untie. If they tell me they will be fine for outdoor use I will get a 2nd pair.

~ JoAnn

[OakLeaf]

I have trouble with translating what I read to reality (ie I think I'm doing something and I'm not, or I think I'm not doing something and I am) so maybe this is something better done in a class or with a partner.

I'm the same way! Or I should say, I don't even get as far as thinking I'm doing something, because it can take me hours to figure out what it is they want me to do and I tend to give up after a couple of pages.

I actually did the one-day workshop with Danny, but the website shows four Chi Running instructors in Seattle and one in Kirkland, WA: http://www.chirunning.com/shop/instructors.php

[teigyr]

I've looked at the ChiRunning workshops. Unfortunately, my inability to learn things on my own can get expensive. Last year our budget dealt with "I have to take swim classes" and "I need a wetsuit" and "I need new running shoes and orthotics..." and let's not forget the various and assorted registration fees

I'm keeping it all in the back of my mind though. DH is a good and patient man so perhaps one of these days...we'd have SO much more money if I wasn't oblivious.

I'm pretty happy though because I am keeping the ChiRunning concepts in the back of my mind and am using what I'm learning here. The best exercise was skipping, that really lets me know where my foot should be. I did it again today and it was the most effortless 6 miles I've run ever. It gives me hope

[jesvetmed]

Teigyr: You made me laugh! My hubby has also dealt with the lack of savings due to me wanting to try new things... this year will be the purchase of the wetsuit and yet more riding shorts, a tri outfit (?), and the numerous shoe purchases. The biggee was of course, the road bike two summers ago, then the new swimming stuff, the gym membership, the weekend trip to do the first Tri in Harrison Hot Springs, etc... it just goes on and on! It would be SO much cheaper to sit on the couch and eat... BON BONS! Or girl scout cookies! But where is the fun in that? OK.. there is a LITTLE fun.

Anyway, just wanted to say I am understanding where you are coming from! I'm glad the running is feeling better. I hope mine stays that way, also.

Jes

[teigyr]

Teigyr: a tri outfit (?)
Jes

Oh yes! I have those! And I have a few of the Ones That Didn't Work. And with the swimsuits...I had to have more than one. It's for practice after all. And the half-marathon in May? It's in Calif...

You're right re the Bon Bons but then we'd need new clothes because we wouldn't fit in the ones we own. So I guess it all evens out.

I guess I never viewed running as having a particular learning curve.

It's all about the adventure