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How to run.. After I first started running and losing some weight, I became enthusiastic about it. Then with the notions of 'more is better' and 'no pain, no

How to run.. After I first started running and losing some weight, I became enthusiastic about it. Then with the notions of 'more is better' and 'no pain, no gain', I cranked up the mileage and pushed through the pain. But I learned a hard lesson when I tore a calf muscle. Since then I've learned that form and technique, consistent and gradually harder practice, and getting expert help are necessary to really learn something. Ten years later, and over 18k miles logged, I can say I know how to run.

stuxnet79 8y ago
I have to say the same. Especially when it comes to weight training and running. I've developed some issues with my hip and I suspect it's due to running (badly). Bad weight training pretty much wrecked my upper body. How long did it take you to recover from your torn calf muscle? That sounds intense.
- madeuptempacct 8y ago
  Tight IT band + weak glutes = culprit for a lot of hip injuries.
  - winkywooster 8y ago
    Tight IT band is an indication of bad form.
    - brianwawok 8y ago
      Not necessarily. It also tends to go along with tight hamstring which everyone who sits 10h a day is going to have without a lot of work.
      - winkywooster 8y ago
        True, tight hamstrings are a contributing factor, but not the sole reason for IT band issues. If rolling out your IT band is a painful experience, it's an indication that you're improperly loading your legs when running—it's a form issue.
        brianwawok 8y ago
        Or it is an indication that you need to foam roll more, and perhaps work on some quad strength such as squats ;) Running is one of those sports that people tend to think the 1 thing that worked for them is the answer for everyone. It's not that simple. People have hips with different shapes. People have legs of different lengths. People have ankle damage from previous sprains. Good form helps for sure, but if you want to claim that all running issues are related to form - I have a bridge to sell you.
- winkywooster 8y ago
  It really hurt initially but it only took about 3 months to get back to running. It took years, though, to really get the form to a point that it wouldn't introduce new injuries. My coach would set a certain volume (weekly mileage) and intensity based on where I was at form-wise, and grew it over time. I went through a number of injuries during this time, but none of them stopped me from running outright. Eventually I gained enough experience to know when I was doing something wrong and how to correct it. Running should never hurt—pain is how your body communicates with you. In the last couple of years I've learned that it's important to really focus on whole body fitness, not just what's necessary for running. Strength and mobility are key.
oldsklgdfth 8y ago
The thing running has taught me is to "save the ego for the race". You can show up to a meet and try to run faster than everyone, but you're only getting tired and wearing yourself down. Consistent, deliberate training and being conscious of form is how runners get faster without destroying their bodies. Then show up to a race and let that ego run wild. Finish strong, high five people and quietly sip your beer.

stuxnet79 8y ago

I have to say the same. Especially when it comes to weight training and running. I've developed some issues with my hip and I suspect it's due to running (badly). Bad weight training pretty much wrecked my upper body. How long did it take you to recover from your torn calf muscle? That sounds intense.

madeuptempacct 8y ago
Tight IT band + weak glutes = culprit for a lot of hip injuries.
- winkywooster 8y ago
  Tight IT band is an indication of bad form.
  - brianwawok 8y ago
    Not necessarily. It also tends to go along with tight hamstring which everyone who sits 10h a day is going to have without a lot of work.
    - winkywooster 8y ago
      True, tight hamstrings are a contributing factor, but not the sole reason for IT band issues. If rolling out your IT band is a painful experience, it's an indication that you're improperly loading your legs when running—it's a form issue.
      - brianwawok 8y ago
        Or it is an indication that you need to foam roll more, and perhaps work on some quad strength such as squats ;) Running is one of those sports that people tend to think the 1 thing that worked for them is the answer for everyone. It's not that simple. People have hips with different shapes. People have legs of different lengths. People have ankle damage from previous sprains. Good form helps for sure, but if you want to claim that all running issues are related to form - I have a bridge to sell you.
winkywooster 8y ago
It really hurt initially but it only took about 3 months to get back to running. It took years, though, to really get the form to a point that it wouldn't introduce new injuries. My coach would set a certain volume (weekly mileage) and intensity based on where I was at form-wise, and grew it over time. I went through a number of injuries during this time, but none of them stopped me from running outright. Eventually I gained enough experience to know when I was doing something wrong and how to correct it. Running should never hurt—pain is how your body communicates with you. In the last couple of years I've learned that it's important to really focus on whole body fitness, not just what's necessary for running. Strength and mobility are key.

oldsklgdfth 8y ago

The thing running has taught me is to "save the ego for the race". You can show up to a meet and try to run faster than everyone, but you're only getting tired and wearing yourself down. Consistent, deliberate training and being conscious of form is how runners get faster without destroying their bodies. Then show up to a race and let that ego run wild. Finish strong, high five people and quietly sip your beer.