Friday, May 11, 2007

What's your style?

We all have our own unique style of running. Some runners glide effortlessly across the ground as poetry in motion and others move in a suffering waddling way. Over the years of running I am amused that I can spot someone running in my direction, who may be several hundred yards away, by their particular movements as a male or female, a friend, or someone else I recognize.

I have heard of different methods of running by using the Pose or ChiRunning methods. I have tried some of the techniques they teach but eventually I revert back to my particular way of running where I feel comfortable with. Maybe if there were some mechanical issues with my legs and I incurred injuries regularly then I would have to learn some new form of running. But thankfully, I have been injury free for the past 21 years and I think I can run fast so there is no need for me to change my running style. Though, I do enjoy reading and learning about things I can do to improve my running I sometimes give them a try. I realize there is always room for improvement when it comes to running. Knowledge and experience come to a runner over the years of training and racing which is why we keep running.

If I did change my running form then you might not recognize me when we cross each other on the trails. I want you to remember me by my style. See you out on the roads.

12 comments:

Tri-Dummy said...

If it ain't broke...don't fix it!

Deb said...

Isn't the 'style' thing great??? we've all got our own. ;)

Unknown said...

My running style is probably as bad as the neon dey-glo outfits we thought were cool when I was in high school in hte 80's!

JenC said...

You definitely have a style and it totally works for you. Are you doing the Cleveland half-marathon again? If so, I shall be looking for that style on the Shoreway (where I saw you coming back last year).

qcmier said...

Still going shoeless?
I actually had to tweak my running style several years ago. Yes I was broke so I had to fix it.

Janet Edwards said...

Well I for one like your style and the speed that comes with it.

Interesting topic that I have never given too much thought to. I am sure my running style has some room for improvement so I may have to ponder this!!!!

Anonymous said...

I can recognize people from their stride.

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Cliff said...

Papa Louie..as tri dummy said..everyone has their own style. If u find what works for you and u been doign it for so long...leave it.

Run fast and run injury free. That's good stuff.

I know I change how i run over the years...i am more conscious of my arm movement and keep my legs nice and light. The whole body i try to relax as i tend to get very uptight and tense.

Brian said...

Our running styles are almost as unique as our fingerprints. The only things I am conscious of in regards to my form is keeping my head/jaw up, my arms tight and limiting how much they move.

E-Speed said...

I'd love to see a video of myself running. When I always get nagging calf pain at the end of a marathon but never in training I have to wonder if there is something I am doing that is okay for 3 hours but not okay for more :)

The Salty One said...

Good luck to you too!!

Paul said...

Cool insight. I agree, you can easily pick people out by their style. My own style changed after I had knee surgery. I got opinions and information from many sources and took what worked best. My style has continued to evolve over the last year and a half. Every time I run I focus on making it better. Fast and Injury free are best, find what works and make it your own!