I don't know how to run.

I don't know where you live, but I know in my area (Toronto) there are running clinics that you can sign up for. There are ones run by local community centres and by sports stores as well. I did one last year run by a store called The Running Room and it was great. They teach everything from proper nutrition/hydration to equipment to stride and timing...very informative. Perhaps something like that may help you!

I second a running clinic! We all know how to run instinctively... we did it as children with no issues, and if someone were coming after us we'd surely know how to do it... but sometimes it's hard to get back into that mentality without a little help. Best of luck!

I used to have this problem. I asked my trainers at the gym I go to for some advice, and they helped! It's different for each person though. I say try to talk to an avid runner, or a trainer if possible.

Running is also a lot about what is happening with your arms and torso not just your legs and feet. When you set out to run, make sure to swing your arms, which will also help your speed, and propel your torso forward. It is very natural, you'll see. If you want to practice this sport, I'd recommend a running coach to watch your form and give you workouts to build your endurance and speed. Of course you know how to run! You just need to remember how =D

Take longer strides and/or move your feet faster. Lean forward to help pull you forward. A shorter, faster stride is probably better so you aren't landing on your heels.

Running is also a lot about what is happening with your arms and torso not just your legs and feet. When you set out to run, make sure to swing your arms, which will also help your speed, and propel your torso forward. It is very natural, you'll see. If you want to practice this sport, I'd recommend a running coach to watch your form and give you workouts to build your endurance and speed. Of course you know how to run! You just need to remember how =D

This! She's right--it's not just about your legs...you've got to use your arms and lean your torso forward....NOT crazy forward like you're about to fall forward and not so much that your legs are trying to catch up to the rest of your body...just so there's less resistance when you're actually moving forward. You'll get the hang of it--it's easy right off the bat, but you will learn to enjoy it. I LOVE running--it's the only thing that I can do anywhere, anytime...all I need is shoes (well, and a good sports bra!)

I'm fairly new at this running stuff but he way I understand it, if you're shooting for endurance (long distance runs) a short stride is perfectly fine. You can still increase your speed a bit with a short stride, I've done it! Just lengthen your stride slightly and put more energy behind it. You might not get much faster than a 11 or 12 minute mile with a short stride but that's not bad in my book!

As far as the breathing question that someone else posted, try timing your breathing with your strides. I usually inhale on two steps and exhale on the next two steps, nice even breathing. Sometimes if I feel like I can't catch my breath I exhale sharply to really empty my lungs out and that seems to help get eveything back in rhythm. Also, you may just be going too fast if you can't breathe well. Try slowing down a bit and see if that helps.

Go to a store where they can see how your foot strikes. Get you some GOOD RUNNING SHOES - I recommend the Brooks brand because thats what marathon runners use and I have a pair of Brooks Ghost 4's and they are amazing!!!

Not all marathoners wear Brooks.... I wear Asics, and my friend wears Mizuno. :bigsmile: It's all very individual based on your foot.

No, really, I don't. I can "run".... but it's kind of like when you jog in place. My feet are pretty much right next to each other and I go forward a little bit... it's just really slow. It's definitely more of a jog than a RUN. I can "run" forever like that. But it doesn't really make me tired or feel like it's working anything, and I sure as heck don't look like any of the other runners on the trail.

So, how can I learn to run! Do I just try to move my feet more apart? I kind of want to learn just don't know how.

Yeah, weird post, I know, haha.

Not weird cause I feel the same way. I do walk/jog intervals because I can't really run either. Interesting suggestions.