Running advice/technique

[Flumpo]

Hi all

This might be a silly question but here goes. I have taken up running (jogging) to improve my fitness. I am fairly happy with doing my own thing and have got my 5k down to what I’m happy with.

However, I injured my knees fairly early on and it was extremely painful and set me back about 6 weeks. Now recovered and and I suspect it was because I’m pretty flat footed and stiff when running.

Long story short, I want someone to watch me run and work on improving my posture and running style if that makes sense. Who’s the best person to ask as this feels like a strange request.

I’m thinking personal trainer, but I’m also aware this might be a bit specialist and not something they know anything about. It doesn’t feel like something a physio would want to do.

I’ve found a ‘running studio’ near me, but they seem to be geared up for people recovering from serious injury or accident. Obviously I can ring them, but they are shut until Monday now and wondered if anyone had any experince.

P.s I will not but posting footage of what is probably my strange run for PH members critique.

[NH-0]

Specialist running shops should be able to do gait analysis.

Perhaps get them to recommend some shoes too as they can make a big difference.

[lufbramatt]

A local sports physio near me has a guy that comes in and does sessions for improving running technique, he used to be a top level racer and coaches. So might be worth investigating that route for something similar near you.

[sawman]

a physio or podiatrist with a sports based practice would be best.

if you want a book that might set you in the right direction, a physio by the name of Paul Hobrough has written a couple of books, which have some good info.

[GMuk]

I went to a place called the Running Lab in Chiswick when I hurt my knees after starting to do parkrun as a complete beginner. Very scientific with a treadmill with lots of cameras and sensors. I got very good advice on technique, stretching and strengthening that helped a lot

[MC Bodge]

It takes time, conditioning, core strength, form and practice to run smoothly and efficiently.

Many people's bodies are just not used to it from their daily lives.

At a simple level:

Run tall and straight, with a slight lean forward

Run with quick steps

Lift your knees and swing your arms from the shoulder. Don't reach/stride forward with your legs

Land lightly on your feet -try to avoid landing hard on your heels with a straight leg.

Do not bob up and down.

Don't do too much running too soon.

Core strength helps maintain good form. Bodyweight strength training can be really good

Edited by MC Bodge on Friday 24th November 22:06