Hey, loves!
Happy Thursday. I woke up this morning not able to believe it’s Thursday already. Thursdays are not only my busiest day, but they’re also my day to get all my to-do’s of the week done before the weekend. Puts less pressure on Fridays that way 
Thursday’s also the day I vlog to you about my thoughts. Today’s thoughts surround a topic I’ve been tip toeing around lately – running. Some days I hate it, some days I L-O-V-E it. These days I’m having more of the latter, thanks to talking about it with some other running lovers, new running kicks, and bettering my form – just all around trying not to be clueless.
Enjoy 
If you watched the video, you heard me talk about Dartfish. A little bit on Dartfish:
The use of Dartfish video software enables a physical therapist to record and scientifically analyze an athlete’s movements (gait analysis). The therapist and athlete can view the running form via slow-motion or frame-by-frame playback on a computer screen. With the information gathered in the analysis, a therapist will recommend appropriate gait modification strategies to change or improve gait for better performance.
An athlete’s use of biomechanical gait analysis can be a preventative measure to identify poor movements or habits, and change them before injury occurs.
I had the opportunity to use the dartfish technology at a nearby physical therapy center, Accelerated physical therapy.
Some of my results:
- 9-10 degree of right knee valgus
- Cadence of 162 when it should be 180
- Heel striker
- Not enough forward lean
Pretty cool, right?
OK, breakfast and foam rolling time for this chica!
Runners: What running form rules do you have trouble with? Do you have any running form tips for us?
My husband LOVES his Newton’s. It did take him a little bit to get completely used to them. They might be more $$ but they last longer too. I have to try to pull back – I tend to run way too far forward almost on toes (throwback to ballet days) the heels of my shoes look like they never ever touch the ground and I supinate terribly so that’s something I have been really focused on.
I recently purchased and started running in newton Gravity shoes! I bought them during a lull in my half marathon training and I must tell you that they helped me fall in love with running again. Instead of thinking about splits and speed and delving into my anxiety, the shoe has refocused my attention to stride, which has helped me appreciate my run and reduced my back pain as well!!! I LOVE these shoes and I’m glad you are enjoying them too!
Thats so cool you got to see how your running form is and have it evaluated! I could really use that because I am sure there are things I am doing wrong!
Kaitlin @4loveofcarrots recently posted..KLUTCHclub box review
I’ve been considering having my form analyzed, sounds like a really beneficial test!
Claire @ Live and Love to Eat recently posted..Recipe Recreation – Warm Spinach Salad
That is so cool that they have come up with technology to do that! I struggle the most with my breathing when I run!
Danielle (@CleanFoodCreativeFitness) recently posted..Paleo Pumpkin Chocolate Chips Bars
I have a hard time not tensing up my shoulders. I try to watch for “zipper lines” and “chicken wings” while “holding chips” I read when I first started running (http://www.active.com/running/Articles/Good-Running-Form-for-Beginners.htm) and think about it all the time when I am running.
Adrienne @ Happy Ramblings recently posted..Work it Wednesday:Kettlebells
chicken wings is a big one for me, too!
Paige, there’s so many things to think about!!! I use it as my self discipline time. I can always tell right away when I get off track with my running stride. I always slow down a bit, think about it, regroup and get going again. Great tips!
Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) recently posted..When life gives you lemons…
I need to do this! My IT bands really act up, and a lot of it has to do with from. At least that is what I have been told. I’ll have to check to see who does this test around here!
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables recently posted..Gluten Free Dumpling and Vegetable Soup
I find the science behind running shoes and the difference in everyone’s running stride so interesting. I mainly wearing Mizunos or Nike’s but I’ll have to look into the Newton’s!
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More recently posted..Pumpkin Spice Maple Peanut Butter
I had my running gait analyzed a couple of years ago and it changed my (running) life. I was a heel-striker with horrible over-pronation and IT band issues. They taught me to keep hands loose and imagine elbows pulling back, directly behind you (this prevents the side-to-side sway or rotation of the ribcage – we’re trying to go forward here!); pull knees up with each stride and kick back (so your foot lands directly under your center of gravity and you are pushing off correctly). It should feel sort of like your feet are just pawing at the ground, not landing heavy and trying to push off again. Use the forward momentum to your advantage.
Last, they taught me that it wasn’t going to change overnight- they had me start off doing these techniques for two minutes during my runs, then three minutes, then 4 and so on until it became second nature. Knock on wood but I’ve been injury free since I got my gait analyzed. I HIGHLY recommend it to anyone!
Roughly A Runner recently posted..Vegans, Raw Foodies, Omnivores Oh My!