running form

meerkat70

I've noticed that when my daughter runs with me, she's running in a slightly odd style - kind of shuffling her feet down instead of placing them, so that they make a 'shhhhh' noise with each step (I hope I'm describing this reasonably well - it's a bit like when a kid is in a grump and slides their feet along rather than lifting them? you know, the shoe scuff shuffle?)

Does anyone have any brilliant ideas on how to correct this?

vanessaclarkgbr

How about get her down to one of the good running shops and getting them to put her on a treadmill? They will be able to tell you. I can't speak highly enough about ours!

meerkat70

How about get her down to one of the good running shops and getting them to put her on a treadmill? They will be able to tell you. I can't speak highly enough about ours!

I thought about maybe doing that at the end of the month. Nearest one to us is in Nottingham - so a bit of a drive (90min). It's the disadvantage of country dwelling. :-)

themurph8910

In all honesty its not a bad thing...I am a Half Marathon runner and a lot of take small steps that are close to the ground. I run with a woman who runs the way you are describing and she is just fine. You want her to run how ever she is comfortable.

IronSmasher

I assume she's young and has very little padding in the heel of her shoes? Sounds like she's running due to millions of years of evolution instead of 50 years of marketing nonsense.

Run her faster (I assume this is already outside) and see if the noise stops. She might just have the brakes onm for you.

meerkat70

She definitely has the brakes on for me - she's much fitter and quicker. She does only seem to have two speeds though - she either sprints, or she does the shuffle. She seems to struggle to find a middle speed where she's not exhausting herself, but isn't going at mummy-the-elephant speed.

And yes, she's young - only nine.

IronSmasher

Well I can't think of a way to make anyone comfortable at a speed that isn't natural for them. The best solution I can think of is for you to adopt an interval training program.

I was able to let my daughter set the pace, knowing she'd puff herself out. We'd then walk and pick the next goal, tree, bush, lampost, and then run to that. Interval training without them even knowing it.
If your daughter is able to sprint off without you, obviously you need to set the pace and intervals, possibly to time.

meerkat70

We're doing the C25k, so already in intervals. I've been encouraging her to go at her own pace, and we'll catch up on the walky bits. Either that or I'm just going to have to go *much* faster!

When you commented on heel padding - did you mean she needed some?

IronSmasher

No, I wasn't suggesting what she should or shouldn't wear.

I believe that modern trainers have added padding to the point where we no longer run naturally, and that has led to heel striking and knee injuries.
I run barefoot or in minimalist shoes, but I'm not making a recommendation.

meerkat70

No, I wasn't suggesting what she should or shouldn't wear.

I believe that modern trainers have added padding to the point where we no longer run naturally, and that has led to heel striking and knee injuries.
I run barefoot or in minimalist shoes, but I'm not making a recommendation.

Ah, i see. I remember you saying some time ago that you were a barefoot runner. That's the way we were as kids. I grew up in a rather warmer climate. No shoes at all!