Tips on running form

Any runners have any tips for improving form? Apparently when I run my feet don't land straight and put unnecessary pressure on my knees. Looking for simple tips to help improve.

When you say they don't land straight do you mean your toes/heel don't line up directly in a straight line in the direction you go? Think II as compared to /\.

Short stride, like a horse trotting.
Have upright posture where you are neither learning forward nor back
Land on your midfoot and roll forward to your toes, but naturally most novices land on their heels and this is bad for knees. It can take a lot of effort to learn a midfoot landing, but its worth the effort. It doesn't help that modern running shoes are sorta designed for heel landing.

Great topic!

Mind if I add my own question?

I went running with a friend and she says I bounce. I shouldn't be moving my upper body when I run. What am I doing wrong?

I normally run on a treadmill and running outside kills my shins. Could it be the way I'm running? I watched videos and read up on how to land, to no avail.

I noticed when my stride is longer I move/bounce more. When I shortened my stride it became more efficient with less upper body movement. Hopes this helps

do you live near a Luke's Locker? they have people there who will study your stride and tell you what you're doing wrong and how to correct it and even help you if you need a different kind of shoe to help with your whole posture while you're running and all that.

Yup, it's right down the street actually. I'll give it a try, hopefully they carry size 16

You may not need to go all out and buy new runners but just some orthotic inserts to give you that added support

I had this same exact problem. Do not continue to run through the pain if your IT band is being affected then it will be your knees and you will not be able to run for a while until they heal completely (I had to take a month off) #1 MOST IMPORTANT - Go to a Run Shop near you and make sure that you get fitted or atleast recommended what type of running shoe you need for your foot and how you land on it probably over-pronating and need good support. #2 - Look Up good stretches for the IT Band there are many, I invested in a Foam Roller they sell them at Run Shops and even Sports Authority it helps tremendously! And is great for all over your body it has really helped me stay injury free for awhile now! #3 IF you are having joint pain and feel that you need something more I buy vitamins for that Glucosamine/chondroitin which is strongly recommended by Runner's World and lots of other studies that it does work Over time. May take 6 weeks or so of daily use to notice it but it is definitely worth it to me. #4 I also invested in Compression sleeves for my calves, it has helped me not to get shin splints not sure if you are having any of that as well but thought I would throw that out there they are the greatests invention ever

Good Luck I hope you find what works for you and don't give up on running it is a lot of fun once you are injury free! Remember to build gradually distance then speed to avoid injury as well.

Great topic!

Mind if I add my own question?

I went running with a friend and she says I bounce. I shouldn't be moving my upper body when I run. What am I doing wrong?

I normally run on a treadmill and running outside kills my shins. Could it be the way I'm running? I watched videos and read up on how to land, to no avail.

I try to bounce off my feet when I run, it gives me more momentum and makes my stride longer. As long as you are landing mid foot, and rolling onto your toes before you push off, I don't see why you shouldn't bounce.
Find a stride that's right for you, and go for it. Everyone is different, and it would be pretty boring if we were all the same.

Agreed! ^^^^

I had half your problem, my left foot was pointing out while my right foot was straight.... \l ...craziest thing. Turns out, because I sat so much for work, and always kicked my left foot out, my hip flexors started to get trained that way. It took me several weeks of concentrated stretching, and forcing my toes straight when I was walking to change my stride. No more pain, or funky stride.

Now, I have a problem where I kick my right foot up when I run or walk fast, and it's giving me shin splints. But only on the right side. I figure, I'll work out the kinks eventually!

You might also consider foam roller on those tight IT bands. Hurts like hell, but works like a charm!

ALWAYS...ALWAYS...ALWAYS before you begin running routinely, BUY A GOOD PAIR OF RUNNING SHOES!

Don't go to a department store. Got to a running store or a store that specializes in athletic shoes. Have them evaluate your running style and step. (This is done via video tape) They will take measurements for your feet....both of them. Then they will recommend a few pairs of shoes for you.

Try them ALL on and run in them so you know they are a comfortable fit. DO NOT buy based on price, brand, style or color. BUY based on what is best suited for your running style.

Be prepared to pay pay more than you would at a department store. Having a custom fit shoe is worth every penny. It helps prevent injuries, fatigue, and of course blisters. :bigsmile:

Just my two cents!

~OWW~

I had half your problem, my left foot was pointing out while my right foot was straight.... \l ...craziest thing. Turns out, because I sat so much for work, and always kicked my left foot out, my hip flexors started to get trained that way. It took me several weeks of concentrated stretching, and forcing my toes straight when I was walking to change my stride. No more pain, or funky stride.

Now, I have a problem where I kick my right foot up when I run or walk fast, and it's giving me shin splints. But only on the right side. I figure, I'll work out the kinks eventually!

You might also consider foam roller on those tight IT bands. Hurts like hell, but works like a charm!

^
Agreed!