Taking up running?

[OakLeaf]

When I was really pounding it was hard for me to run slow, too. For me, learning to run slowly was all about form. YMMV.

[Catrin]

When I was really pounding it was hard for me to run slow, too. For me, learning to run slowly was all about form. YMMV.

Oh I am sure I probably am pounding when I run, it just feels so good to be able to stretch my legs out when I run. To run slower I have to shorten my stride and that doesn't feel so good. I am bound and determined, however, to avoid the obvious over-use injuries this season (crossing all fingers and toes). I am glad that I brought this topic up. Part of the group training class is an assigned "workout of the week" that we do on our own, and this week a part of that is a 6 minute run. I will focus on running slower when I do that portion of the workout.

[zoom-zoom]

Forcing a long stride is also known as over-striding. It's recipe for all sorts of woes, including strained hip flexors (ask me how I know this ). Shorter stride and quicker turnover is more efficient and gentler.

[Anyabeth]

I am an impossibly slow runner but have run a couple of half marathons with no injuries and I always tell my friends who are getting started to just start at a pace that would almost feel embarassing if some one saw you. Especially if it has been a long time since you ran (for me it had been twenty years). You can always run faster after you have a base. But be ridiculously slow for a while and see if that doesn't help.

Of course this means that I have never run more than 30 miles a week because that would take me ages.

[zoom-zoom]

Of course this means that I have never run more than 30 miles a week because that would take me ages.

My peak mileage in a single week was 55, IIRC. I think it took me about 10.5 hours. A few fast guys I know cover 80-90 miles in that time.

[indysteel]

When I was really pounding it was hard for me to run slow, too. For me, learning to run slowly was all about form. YMMV.

Oak, I could probably answer this via the search function, but did you take a Chi Running workshop or learn from the book and/or video?

[Catrin]

Forcing a long stride is also known as over-striding. It's recipe for all sorts of woes, including strained hip flexors (ask me how I know this ). Shorter stride and quicker turnover is more efficient and gentler.

Oh my, I had no idea! I was doing this because it felt so good....

[OakLeaf]

Oak, I could probably answer this via the search function, but did you take a Chi Running workshop or learn from the book and/or video?

I took workshops. But that's my learning style. It's really hard for me to learn physical skills from books - videos are somewhat easier for me, but I learn physical skills best in a hands-on, interactive setting. I know plenty of people who've done very well with the book and/or DVD.



And, +1 on the dangers of overstriding. One easy check is, WITHOUT bending at the waist, you shouldn't be able to see your toes while you're running. You can open up your stride behind you as much as your flexibility and core strength will allow, but you don't want your feet to land ahead of your center of gravity.

[indysteel]

That's my learning style, too, Oak. I looked at the schedule yesterday and if memory serves, most if the seminars anywhere near Indy were late summer or early fall, and I don't think I can make it work with our schedule. Maybe I can find something later in the year. I'm only a part time runner, but I think I could benefit from a class. I so want to enjoy running more than I do, even if never end up running long distances.

[GLC1968]

That's my learning style, too, Oak. I looked at the schedule yesterday and if memory serves, most if the seminars anywhere near Indy were late summer or early fall, and I don't think I can make it work with our schedule. Maybe I can find something later in the year. I'm only a part time runner, but I think I could benefit from a class. I so want to enjoy running more than I do, even if never end up running long distances.

A class will definitely help. I took my husband to one and he actually *likes* running now (assuming it's with me...he hates to run alone). Two of my friends here also took the same class a few weeks later and they both got a ton out of it. And none of these people are 'serious' runners...just people who wanted to enjoy it more and injury free.

[Catrin]

The hip flexor appears to be all better now I did a little running at the gym the other day and all was fine. I focused on not stretching out my stride and running at a more moderate, even pace. Only ran 300 meters at a time, walked 100 meters, ran 100 meters, then did other things before running again. I did this twice.

Riding is more important right now than running, but it was good to see that I was able to do it