Runner Question

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officiallymrswhite
officiallymrswhite Posts: 423 Member
edited September 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
So, I have recently picked up running. My personal trainer taped me running so that he could assess my form. He said that I hit the ground with my heel first...which apparently is not correct and can lead to joint problems....hence why my legs have started to bother me. He had me run barefoot so I could get used to hitting the ground with the top part of my foot first and then push off the ground. I ran 2 miles today focusing on that form and I think I did a good job with it. However....the outer sides of ankles feel sore and my lower leg muscles are also sore (no pain...just soreness). Is this normal and will it get better as I continue to run like this? Or am I doing something wrong? Thanks!!

Replies

  • emmaleigh47
    emmaleigh47 Posts: 1,670 Member
    This will get better as you get more used to it.
    A heel strike for most people will lead to shin splints and other problems, but focusing on your form and using a forefoot or midfoot strike is a good thing. But you are using different muscles and so it will be hard at first. Keep at it :)
  • wbgolden
    wbgolden Posts: 2,066 Member
    2 miles might be a bit much right off the bat with such a drastic form change. I started at 10% of my normal mileage and gradually built up.
  • jillybeanruns
    jillybeanruns Posts: 1,420 Member
    I would take any advice that your personal trainer gives you about running with a grain of salt. Unless he has any sort of running coach credentials? He might not be qualified in any way to give you advice about your foot strike.

    Be careful with overhauling your strike. You should be cognizant of how you run and how you land, and make gradual changes, but a sudden overhaul can really be damaging and cause injuries. Just my .02.
  • rybo
    rybo Posts: 5,424 Member
    The barefoot idea to help change your form is a great tool. Going 2 miles the 1st time I believe is a bit much. That is something that should be eased into. The soreness you feel is very normal and will get better over time & use.

    There is some good info about barefoot running out there to read, and chi running and pose running are also very good at describing proper running form to reduce injury.
  • soccermum75
    soccermum75 Posts: 588 Member
    running barefoot uses different muscles so the first few times you run run you willhave some discomfort. slowly increase your mileage.
  • kelsully
    kelsully Posts: 1,008 Member
    any change in your posture, form etc will lead to temporary soreness...and trying to correct too quickly could be detrimental...so slow down and do a little at a time. I try to focus on my form when I am getting tired, as when we are tired we all tend to get sloppy with our form...droopy shoulders, heavy feet etc...focus on good posture and relaxed shoulders etc...amazingly a lot of the foot strike will work itself out.
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