Aside from random running thoughts, the last week or so I've been focused on researching running form. The running form train of thought can definitely be blamed on Ana-Maria's "My running form..." post. I began looking through my most recent running photos and I've found that my running form is all wrong! I have a really long stride, which may sound good but it messes with everything and is likely the root cause of many of my injuries. Apparently extending your leg and landing on it too far in front of your hip creates all kinds of issues with the old hips. I just happen to have lots of hip trouble. Also I have a fierce arm swing, which can lead to over striding. Looking through pictures I've also come to realize that my arm swing is getting sloppy. I'm constantly crossing over my body, which is irritating because I haven't always done that. So not only is my form hurting me, but I'm pretty sure it must make me look silly too. Doh!
In the photo below my form doesn't look bad. My arms aren't crossing over my body, I don't seem to be over striding, and it doesn't look like I'm landing directly on my heel. That photo was taken in 2005 during the Mount Washington Road Race. BLP...Before the Little Person. In case you're wondering, my time was 1:31:58 for 7.6 miles. That race is awesome, and I highly recommend it!
The next picture was taken during my last half marathon. I ran well that day, but wow, look at my stride. It's much too far forward. My arm is swinging across my body and I'm landing directly on the back of my heel. All my most recent pictures look like that. I need to start concentrating on reeling in that right leg. (I think I might only be over striding on one side, which possible explains my mysterious sneaker wear and tear.)
When I start running again I plan to focus on form rather than speed. I've been so focused on being fast I've gotten really sloppy and it's obviously not helping my performance. So I'll be slow until I can get it right!
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3 comments:
Katie, when I got back into running sans jogging stroller I was a heel striker and overstrider. I think my 2 pelvic stress fractures were due to that (in fact, some scientific research studies show that overstriding leads to pelvic stress fractures). Also, my running shoes have the hills much more warned out than the rest of the sole. I am much better now, a midfoot striker, much shorter stride. My form is not perfect, but it is way better. Also, I just finished "Runner's body", a wonderful book that also addresses form.
Ha!!! I wrote y'all a note a few days ago & said "I'm reading this book "Born to Run" on my Kindle that I think Katie would like" and here you are already reading it - maybe I'm just pyschic. It is a very interesting read. I have mega foot pain & a lot of the stuff in the book makes sense. I'll be asking Santa for some of those vibram five finger shoes which I think will be perfect for Hawaii!
Hmmm... I will have to check out that book. I certainly have had my share of injuries/pain. I am not really sure what my stride looks like! I will hunt down some photos and take a look!
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