klmama Posted April 8, 2015 Share Posted April 8, 2015 One of my dc needs to improve running form to increase speed. The issue that I see is feet and lower legs moving out to the sides after pushing off instead of staying in line with the upper legs. Suggestions for correcting this? Website recommendations? Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chelle in MO Posted April 8, 2015 Share Posted April 8, 2015 I just texted a friend of mine who is a track and cc coach. Will let you know if she has any recommendations. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
klmama Posted April 8, 2015 Author Share Posted April 8, 2015 Thank you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StephanieZ Posted April 9, 2015 Share Posted April 9, 2015 I'd not try to change someone's running gait unless I was a coach and/or PT. You can really get messed up trying to change your natural movements. That said, I think it is safe to follow general principles such as, "quick, quiet, soft . .. " etc. Also, I think running form develops naturally over 1000s of miles of running. So, if the runner is a new runner, they're often well served by simply running more over time (assuming they aren't getting hurt, which would prod me to a prompt visit to a good PT). Over time and many, many miles, a more efficient form generally develops. This is why runners get faster and faster by logging lots of miles. It's partially strength/stamina, but it is also efficiency of form, which evolves on its own over many, many miles. I'd definitely seek advice from a running coach who works directly with your kid. Or maybe a PT that works in sports medicine if you can access a PT like that. (My running-injury PT was a serious triathlete, which really helped him be able to coach me into better form.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tsuga Posted April 9, 2015 Share Posted April 9, 2015 I got running tips from professional runners working at a specialized running shoe store. That might be an easy way to get some very simple tips if you don't have access to a coach. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hikin' Mama Posted April 9, 2015 Share Posted April 9, 2015 I never got around to reading it (don't judge) but my dad lent me a book called Chi Running. http://www.amazon.com/ChiRunning-Revolutionary-Approach-Effortless-Injury-Free/dp/1416549447/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1428554070&sr=1-1&keywords=chi+runningI read that book, but never could figure out how to do what he was saying. I guess I'm just not Chi. :) BTW, I agree with Stephanie and Binip. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chelle in MO Posted April 13, 2015 Share Posted April 13, 2015 My friend hasn't gotten back to me--I'm sorry! I know she's really busy this time of year. I hope you've gotten some help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StephanieZ Posted April 14, 2015 Share Posted April 14, 2015 I read that book, but never could figure out how to do what he was saying. I guess I'm just not Chi. :) BTW, I agree with Stephanie and Binip. Did you get the metronome? I did, and it was so very helpful! I found that cranking up my cadence was a key step to healthy running form. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ali in OR Posted April 14, 2015 Share Posted April 14, 2015 I think the Chi Running book helped me. I spent a year with plantar fasciitis that I think was caused by my relatively new (at the time) practice of running on our treadmill. I definitely had a heel-strike form that isn't good. Using the book I was able to change to a midfoot strike and I also now use a playlist with songs at 170 beats per minute to keep the right cadence for me. I have not had any pain issues since starting this (before the PF I also would sometimes get hip pain). That's two years pain-free now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sugarfoot Posted April 14, 2015 Share Posted April 14, 2015 I hated running when I was using a heel strike form. I don't do that anymore, and I enjoy it so much more. I'm better, stronger, faster. But I don't go 60 mph. ;) (that reference is a generational thing...) I've seen children run in the way you're describing. I don't know how old your child is, but mine who did this grew out of it sometime between 5-7. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nart Posted April 14, 2015 Share Posted April 14, 2015 Why does she need to increase her speed? Is it for running track or for a different sport that involves running. Is it for her to increase her speed in for a 100 meter dash, a mile, or a 10 to 20 yard sprint for a sport like soccer? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
klmama Posted April 16, 2015 Author Share Posted April 16, 2015 It's for competing in 5K. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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