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Thursday, July 5, 2012

Posemethod of Running: For some softer and gentler method which can reduce symptoms





     I love watching good runners run. The style and grace of powerful motion is not only appealing, but I can almost remember when I could do something like that. Most of us can not hit a golf ball like Phil Michelson, nor kick a soccer ball like David Beckham, nor dunk the ball like Blake Griffin, but we can run with the same powerful forms of the running greats. If you love to run, study running. Study the shoes and the various running styles. Find out if your running style is efficient or not, smooth or injury prone. Many running clubs exist that offer advice. Running shoe stores also can be helpful. Podiatrists and physical therapists that specialize in running injuries can be found. The American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine is a good place to look for a referral (www.aapsm.org) in your area. Definitely if you can run smoother, you should have a longer running career.

     It is very hard to change your running style and it can give you problems. So, who should change? And, is there something in your running style that can be changed? I have always told my patients when we want to make changes in running style to start with each run or workout from one telephone to another and then forget about it. The next workout 2 telephone poles, and the next 3. With this technique, you begin to practice and you begin slow. You also really focus when you have a short distance. When you want to change heel strike like in the video above, and also arm swing, etc, make one change at a time. Give yourself 6 months to make a major change. It should take longer if you have run for 15 years vs 6 months.

     Running is a gift to Homo Sapiens. It is built into our DNA, in contrast to basketball, tennis, football, etc. We are all natural runners, although some more than others. Being a natural runner does not mean you are a natural athlete. Sweating or exercising may not be what you like. But, you still could, with relatively minor training in the grand scheme of things, run a marathon safely. The first steps may be to get the right shoes for your biomechanics and then have your running style evaluated. See if some minor changes may help. Start Slow and Go Slow.
   
   

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Thank you very much for leaving a comment. Due to my time restraints, some comments may not be answered.I will answer questions that I feel will help the community as a whole.. I can only answer medical questions in a general form. No specific answers can be given. Please consult a podiatrist, therapist, orthopedist, or sports medicine physician in your area for specific questions.