It’s no secret that I have hideous running form.
Because of said hideous form, Coach Monster has incorporated some running drills into my training plan. He had mentioned doing so for quite some time. But Coach M finally took video of me last week… running. And he put those drills into motion pretty darn fast.
So what is exactly wrong with my form?
Chicken Wing
Coach Monster noticed right off the bat that I run with my left arm kind of tucked at my side, barely moving. He said, “You have a chicken wing.”
Right Foot, Wrong Way
My right foot points outward as I run. A chicken foot.
Rigid Hips
Apparently, I run with my hips completely static and locked. The Expert noticed this one, and Coach M agreed. No wonder it hurts to run. I have no flexibility in my hips whatsoever, and it shows.
Hamstrings? What Hamstrings?
The back part of my running stroke is non-existent. I don’t have the upward kick motion at all. Coach M said, “You are really just dragging your legs behind you.” Wow. Which is interesting, because in Miami, that’s exactly how I felt – like I was dragging my legs and they wouldn’t fire. I mean seriously. If I am dragging my legs… no wonder running is so difficult.
Bouncy Head
I bounce up and down when I am running. Too much. Way too much. Like I’m hanging tough, dragging my legs behind me in a bouncy house.
Stride Length / Lean Back / Heel Strike
Instead of properly keeping my feet beneath me, turning my feet over quickly, and leaning slightly forward from the ankles, I am sticking my dragging legs out in front of me way too far, leaning back and crushing my heels into the ground like Godzilla.
But as I watched the video of me running, I realized that Coach M was so right.
Whew. Okay. Again, so what’s correct about my running?
Today, I took my running drills to the gym, and did 2 miles on the treadmill by the mirror after spin class. I tried to concentrate on leaning forward slightly, from the ankles, turning my feet over, having a set of hamstrings that were firing, and mid-foot striking. It was alot to digest.
But as I looked in the mirror, I actually resembled a runner.
Albeit, a slow caveman-like one… but I could see the glimmer. The form was ever-so-slightly emerging. Good feeling.
Well the sunshiney attitude has to count for something, right? It is great that you are getting help with your form. I am sure that 99% of the runners out there (myself included) just sort of run in whatever way feels natural. It can't do anything but help!
Are you able to share any of the drills Coach Monster has you doing? I struggle with many of the same form issues you do & have had a heck of a time breaking the habits! (Although I can proudly say I've forced myself into mid-foot striking over the last year…unless I'm tired…then I heel strike again…)
Theresa – 🙂 Check out the video on the post – it's got several of the drills that he's recommended. Mostly the butt kicks (to get my hammers moving), but then something similar to the 100 Up Drill (have you seen that? here's the link: http://video.nytimes.com/video/2011/11/02/magazine/100000001149415/the-lost-secret-of-running.html). Also hip strengthening exercises (bridges, etc) to get my crazy hips more mobile!
Oh heck, I probably got a chicken wing to. I don't think I want Coach M to watch a video of me! 🙂
Well, you've seen the title of my blog so you know I loved this one!! God help me if DW ever takes a play from CM's book. At least you smile when you do the funky chicken. That counts for a lot! The duck always appears to be passing a stone.
My Coach just said she wanted to watch my form and I cringed! I am sure I do many of the same things you mentioned…but I also slouch. It's not pretty!
Oh crap! You reminded me of that too. I slouch too. Lean-back slouch. It's quite remarkable, actually….
Ugh. All very common afflictions. I'm recently back from hip/hamstring issues myself and learned a ton of stuff to do to strengthen/stretch them in PT.
It's awesome you have a coach to point these out to you. There's much to be said for being able to 'power thru' these races the way you do. Own that strength!
Thanks for reminding me to about the video! I originally read the post at work & couldn't get the video to load. I've got it emailed to myself now though!