not exclusive to to running but I tend to tense up when I run and have to actively think about not running with tension. I will clench my fists and sometimes my feet will be tense and toes bunch up a little sometimes and then my shoulders. It’s not like it’s all the time or all those things. It can differ of course depending on the type of run whether it’s long and steady or speed work or a race. how do others get to that natural state of running relaxed without thinking about it? I seem to have to really think about it and force it.
I think changing running form is the same for all of us: practice makes perfect. The more you practice it mindfully, the more natural it becomes. Whenever I’m running really hard (which is rare these days!), I do the same thing, and have to repeat “RELAX” to not tense up so much. Maybe make it a habit to not tense up for 10 runs in a row, and see if it sticks? Also, treadmill running with a mirror to watch yourself can be a good tool.
hopefully it will become habit. I forgot sometimes and then catch myself tensing up. I had read a couple articles about running with relaxed ankles and I was trying to focus on that on a run and of course noticed other parts of my body tensing up. Of course, it felt much better relaxed but I had to just repeat to myself to relax.
Run way faster for short bursts. Then you’ll be relaxed running slower.
I agree that if you’re mindful about it and practice a few little tricks they will become second nature eventually. One thing that works for me is to shake my hands out every once in a while, which keeps my wrists loose and in turn my arms and shoulders. Years ago someone told me to imagine I’m holding a Pringles chip in each hand and trying not to break it while I run.
I found it takes practice and effort at first.
“Checking in†with yourself every 15-20 min and scanning head-to-toe “Shoulders relaxed, check. Arms relaxed, check. Hands open, check.†and so on.
After awhile, the checks become less frequent and you stay relaxed longer.
I put my thumb and pinky finger on my collarbone, and index finger on chin every now and then to make sure my posture isn’t compromised.
You need the SWAGGER.
You need the SWAGGER.
https://forum.slowtwitch.com/forum/?post=4510800#p4510800
Ha! Swagger. I’ve tried different times to see how leaning forward or back feel like. I don’t mess with it too much and just do what feels at least normal. I will say leaning forward never feels normal for me
I found it takes practice and effort at first.
“Checking in†with yourself every 15-20 min and scanning head-to-toe “Shoulders relaxed, check. Arms relaxed, check. Hands open, check.†and so on.
After awhile, the checks become less frequent and you stay relaxed longer.
Maybe I’ll put an alert on my Garmin. On long runs I definitely zone out and then forget to check.
I do shake my hands out sometimes. And the hands I’ve read pretend you’re holding an egg.
Counting. I start counting, nice and easy, in time with my stride, to 100. Then repeat it if necessary.
I do shake my hands out sometimes. And the hands I’ve read pretend you’re holding an egg.
Yeah same general idea. It’s really hard to have tight shoulders and loose hands/wrists at the same time, so if you can focus on keeping your hands loose it should help.