How to Start Running
nytimes.com
How to Start Running
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Re: How to Start Running
#2> Some people are natural heel-strikers while others tend to lead with their toes. The good news: neither form is inherently better than the other
That is in opposite to common knowledge that heel-striking is worse, and leads to increased injuries.
Re: How to Start Running
#3If you're in the UK (or some places in Europe) checkout Parkrun. That's what got me started. I've now done around 170.
Re: How to Start Running
#4I used to be overweight and could not run to the door even if my life depended on it. Five years later and I run no less than 5k a day from Monday to Friday. Resting during the weekend. Do run events every other month or so on Sundays.
How did I do it?
I started with the couch-to-5K program[1]. That led me to diet and eat better. Did my first 5k four months later. Then a 10k three after that.
Running is not for everybody. But you should try it out. Run at your own rhythm and style. Some people are naturally better at long distances, some of us are sprinters. The truth is its about patience and pacing yourself. It is also great for thinking (or not thinking). My life is definitely better because of it. Feel free to ask me questions!
Re: How to Start Running
#5I used to be overweight and could not run to the door even if my life depended on it. Five years later and I run no less than 5k a day from Monday to Friday. Resting during the weekend. Do run events every other month or so on Sundays. How did I do it? I started with the couch-to-5K program[1]. That led me to diet and eat better. Did my first 5k four months later. Then a 10k three after that. Running is not for every…
Couch-to-5k did it for me too. I was a little skeptical when I started, both of the program and my own abilities. I was rather out of shape and couldn't imagine running 5k based on my physical condition. Not overweight, just painfully unhealthy and unfit.
But I was very excited the first time I was able to complete the 5k run without walking breaks, and then I started to work on my time. I am not a fast runner but eventually got to a pace of 30 minutes. Certainly not anything like pinnacle athlete form but it brought a lot of personal satisfaction.
I paired my running with swimming. I would do a 5k run and then a 1k swim. It did wonders for my energy level and endurance and I felt much better.
Re: How to Start Running
#6> Some people are natural heel-strikers while others tend to lead with their toes. The good news: neither form is inherently better than the other That is in opposite to common knowledge that heel-striking is worse, and leads to increased injuries.
People have different styles, and I'd hate to be overly prescriptive. Having said that, switching from heel strike to forefoot strike made it possible for me (overweight 44 year old) to go from the couch last January to running the Twin Cities Marathon last October.
Re: How to Start Running
#7I used to be overweight and could not run to the door even if my life depended on it. Five years later and I run no less than 5k a day from Monday to Friday. Resting during the weekend. Do run events every other month or so on Sundays. How did I do it? I started with the couch-to-5K program[1]. That led me to diet and eat better. Did my first 5k four months later. Then a 10k three after that. Running is not for every…
Cool! What did you do to diet and eat better?
Re: How to Start Running
#8> Some people are natural heel-strikers while others tend to lead with their toes. The good news: neither form is inherently better than the other That is in opposite to common knowledge that heel-striking is worse, and leads to increased injuries.
I think the problem isn't so much how you strike, but what happens after you strike: if you find yourself pulling yourself forward with your knee joints after you strike, then that could cause knee injuries (and pulling tends to happen more with heel strikes). The focus should be on pushing yourself forward with the back foot, not worrying so much how your foot lands.
I've had long conversations on this topic with a podiatrist, but it's still not certain.....
Re: How to Start Running
#9> Some people are natural heel-strikers while others tend to lead with their toes. The good news: neither form is inherently better than the other That is in opposite to common knowledge that heel-striking is worse, and leads to increased injuries.
It's not "common knowledge" especially for people who don't run, which is who the article is aimed at. It's also still a debatable issue. I'd say for new runners the key is to get into a routine and worry about stride only if it's causing you pain until you get to a more advanced stage.
Re: How to Start Running
#10> Some people are natural heel-strikers while others tend to lead with their toes. The good news: neither form is inherently better than the other That is in opposite to common knowledge that heel-striking is worse, and leads to increased injuries.
People have different styles, and I'd hate to be overly prescriptive. Having said that, switching from heel strike to forefoot strike made it possible for me (overweight 44 year old) to go from the couch last January to running the Twin Cities Marathon last October.
Heel striking is not really what we evolved for as you can only do it comfortably in heavily cushioned running shoes. If you run barefoot or in lightly padded shoes you are forced into a more forefoot first style.