Running gait- brief analysis
For some reason, I've become increasingly conscious about my running form. Of late, there have been many occasions when I wonder what people are thinking when they see me running. I dunno why I've been feeling this way- when I started out running and even for 2 years after that, I didn't bother what people were thinking. Anyway, after doing a quick research on the net, I've managed to locate come articles and a picture of a supposed correct running form. Here it is:-

So, as you can see, this is supposed to a correct running form. Straight back, forward body lean etc.
Compare that with the following photos of me:-
Mizuno Wave Run 2006
Alibaba Run 2006
First and foremost, is my arm action. I tend to tense up my shoulder when I run, thus making the arm action very high and somewhat constricted. So, as it is, the upper body isn't relaxed. I've been trying to correct this for some time now. I'm constantly "loosening" my shoulders and trying the keep my arm action low. My back is straight, so I think I'm fine there.
Next up (and this is the one that everyone talks about), are my legs. Its a weird running gait, where I land mainly on my forefoot. There's minimal contact/impact by the heel with the ground- the heel is almost spring-like in that it shifts the weight back almost instantaneously towards my forefoot, before I toe-off. Now, one may think that the calves would ache like hell, but I've been so accustomed to running this way that I don't have any aches in my calves. I've been told that I "hop", "bounce", and all that. And I've tried changing it; ultimately though, I've reverted back to what I feel is the most comfortable and economical running style for me.
Anyway, I have a role model (not only for her achievements, but also for her awkward running style)- none other than women's world record holder in the marathon, Paula Radcliffe. If you see her running, she is pigeon-toed in footstrike (so, at least I'm not the only one who runs like that!)and her head bobs almost rhythmically when she runs. Her arm action does look high at times.
Conclusion- I feel that I'm running in the most comfortable, efficient and economical manner which works only for me, and that's all that matters. And, so far (touch wood) I've not suffered any injuries to my knees, etc. So, screw it! I'll run my way and not be bothered what people think!

So, as you can see, this is supposed to a correct running form. Straight back, forward body lean etc.
Compare that with the following photos of me:-


First and foremost, is my arm action. I tend to tense up my shoulder when I run, thus making the arm action very high and somewhat constricted. So, as it is, the upper body isn't relaxed. I've been trying to correct this for some time now. I'm constantly "loosening" my shoulders and trying the keep my arm action low. My back is straight, so I think I'm fine there.
Next up (and this is the one that everyone talks about), are my legs. Its a weird running gait, where I land mainly on my forefoot. There's minimal contact/impact by the heel with the ground- the heel is almost spring-like in that it shifts the weight back almost instantaneously towards my forefoot, before I toe-off. Now, one may think that the calves would ache like hell, but I've been so accustomed to running this way that I don't have any aches in my calves. I've been told that I "hop", "bounce", and all that. And I've tried changing it; ultimately though, I've reverted back to what I feel is the most comfortable and economical running style for me.
Anyway, I have a role model (not only for her achievements, but also for her awkward running style)- none other than women's world record holder in the marathon, Paula Radcliffe. If you see her running, she is pigeon-toed in footstrike (so, at least I'm not the only one who runs like that!)and her head bobs almost rhythmically when she runs. Her arm action does look high at times.
Conclusion- I feel that I'm running in the most comfortable, efficient and economical manner which works only for me, and that's all that matters. And, so far (touch wood) I've not suffered any injuries to my knees, etc. So, screw it! I'll run my way and not be bothered what people think!
3 Comments:
pm19, hey, ur running style is ok wat!! i admire ur running style, very unique & surely u feel comfortable... stay ur style ok..
hey Nezz,
;) thanks for ur kind words. hahaha. Just that I've been feeling a bit self conscious of late...dunno why. Anyway u have a good weekend.
livetorun!! that goes d same for walkrace.. we walk as per normal, but for race, we gotta walk differently.. if other people cud not accept other ppl's running or walking style, that shows they themselves gotta open up their mind & eyes, isn't.. so no worry lah ok.. u too, hv a great weekend!!
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