Yesterday I was running on a treadmill in front of a mirror. A very unique experience for me - I realized that I run funny. It looks like I'm dragging my legs! And I step on my right foot with it turned out. So weird, I can even see my legs using different muscles for each leg because I'm so not symmetrical. By now you should have a picture of a hunchback limping in front of a mirror, but I guess it's not that bad, although it looks really weird to me. I tried to make myself run normal, but I couldn't. I think the biggest issue I have is that it looks like I'm running on a rope by swinging my feet around each other at every pass. It looks like I'm a lazy runner. Maybe one of my expert running sisters have some tips for me.
8 comments:
Make sure you've got the right shoes for your gait. If you're too cheap to go to an actual running store (like me) and have them check your gait and recommend shoes, you can go to the Runner's World website and use their tools to determine the kind of shoes you need. Other than that, running regularly should help develop the needed muscles and even out your stride. One other thing you could try is taking a running class at your local community college. Ours is like $50 per semester hour and the PE classes are all an hour, so you could get 3 months worth of training for $50. That's a bargain!
at least your knees don't knock. Sumo girl is right, you need to strengthen the weak muschles. Work on the everted so that you don't end up injuring your knee and hip. You might have to slow down to concentrate.
It sounds like your hips are weak. There are a lot of hip exercises. Try squats- Start with your feet together and then move one leg out to get into the squat position. Also when I first started running I had a problem with the swinging feet thing, I think that is from the foot turn out when you normally walk. Try walking with your feet straight when you normally walk. It's hard but it helps. Also lunges help the feet swinging thing. No matter what though just keep running.
Better yet, don't run unless someone is chasing you.
I agree with Biffy!!! When I was young, I walked with both feet pointing outwards. The doctor said that would cause problems, later in life. He had me do leg extentions to build the knee muscles. Keeping your feet straight or somewhat turned to the inside, as you do the extensions. Squats were recommended, but said if done improperly, can cause more long term damage. He said squats are terribly hard on the knees, but good for hips.
Get on the eliptical. Your feet stay on the peddles and it's easier on your knees. You might even be able to run longer. If nothing else you could get leg braces like Forest Gump!
Hey! I was able to lift 15# an inch or two today on the machine that (I told you about it last night) I couldn't lift at all last week. It really hurt, but at least I was able to get it to move! Maybe it will be 2-3 inches by the end of the week.
Did you die on the treadmill? Where oh where has Matt gone?
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