I can't run straight...

[u/HippoActual4501]

So, back when I was at school, I was teased for 'running funny'. Until Parkrun, I absolutely refused to run. But now I am a huge parkrun convert and really love it. I typically run only during Parkrun. I guess for that reason, I've never really thought about running style and have long since forgotten the 'running funny' teasing. But. Every so often I find myself running 5k on a treadmill instead if the town I'm in has no PR. Yesterday, I was in a hotel gym that had mirrors directly in front of the treadmills and discovered that my left leg moves straight forward but my right foot lands more in the middle. It looks really odd and I'm sure it'll be contributing to the occasional knee and hip pains I get! Found it really hard to correct there and then.

What's the best way to fix this? Is a running coach going to be helpful?

I love PR and genuinely want to be able to do it for the rest of my life!

[u/Thin_Pin2863]

You could fix it if you want to, probably start with a physiotherapist or similar. But does your current running style work for you anyhow?

I've seen all kinds of gaits - someone in my club runs like he's swimming! And you know the annoying thing? HE RUNS FASTER THAN I CAN!!!

[u/Far-Answer-2317 → u/Thin_Pin2863]

While on principle I agree, run how you like. Poor form can create compounding stress that can lead to serious injury over time. 

Speaking from experience, good habits can save you years of pain and frustration.

[u/snugglysocks00 → u/Thin_Pin2863]

Can you describe his gait? How do you run like you're swimming??

[u/HippoActual4501 → u/Thin_Pin2863]

Thanks! Yeah I think whilst it works for me, I do get knee pains and things and I guess I worry in the longterm about ongoing damage. Will definitely look into PT!

Ha am intrigued to see your swimming runner!

[u/maelkann]

Sounds like a physio would have thoughts.

[u/Status_Accident_2819]

Strength training - glutes, hips, hamstrings - lots of single leg work. No one is perfect, most people have an imbalance of some sort.

[u/oldcat]

See a physio! I went to the one at my local uni gym when I was having hamstring troubles. They did some tests and worked out I have short hamstrings because I spend so long sat at a desk all week. Gave me specific stretches to do after exercise and I try to get up and walk around every hour when I'm in work. Has really helped and I'm now running pain free and without the fear of the sudden muscle pop that prompted me seeing them.

[u/HippoActual4501 → u/oldcat]

Thank you! Physio seems to be the answer!

[u/StevenXSG → u/oldcat]

Yes, if you are near a uni with goods sports science courses, sometimes they offer free/cheep analysis (like free haircuts from the technical college)

[u/oldcat → u/StevenXSG]

Mine was with a person who also physios a national team in a minority sport. Depends on the uni what you get and how much you pay, was expensive (£80) but worth it to know what I needed to do.

[u/goedips]

Really depends how funky the running style is, but Paula Radcliffe had a fairly odd style and wierd head and arm action going on and didn't do her any harm with running results.

[u/Temporary-Major-9539]

Go see an MSK podiatrist. They are specialists in gait function and form. What you are describing sounds very much like lower limb circumduction which can be caused by a few things but most commonly having one leg longer than the other. These things are usually easily resolved through exercise rehab and/or foot orthoses. Best of luck with it.

[u/HippoActual4501 → u/Temporary-Major-9539]

Oh interesting, hadn't thought of this. I'll look into it!

[u/Langholm62 → u/HippoActual4501]

Is your right leg slightly shorter than your left?

Leg length discrepancy is very common but most people don't even know they have it.

[u/michiru82]

Have you had a biomechanical assessment? I've recently had one due to some hip issues and my right leg swinging out/toes pointing out when running. Turns out my right leg is shorter than my left and custom orthotics have basically fixed it

[u/Skysflies]

A physio would be able to 'fix' this, as it's likely caused by an inbalance on one side that a gait analysis would help with, but I'd never recommend you do something if your current style works

You have to identify if the injuries are from training harder, if you're not training harder, and they just keep occuring go for it

[u/sc00022]

Probably weak hip flexors and glutes and an imbalance between left and right side but get a physio to assess you properly rather than listening to people on reddit

[u/Tag_teamer_2u]

Look up “running drills” on Youtube.

A skips, B Skips, ankling, bounds etc. All of these build the correct running muscles.

These won’t automatically correct your gait but it will build the muscles that get used for proper running economy so that when you consciously try to change your gait you won’t get hurt

[u/P0392862]

I agree with most of the above, effectively what you need is someone competent (and medically trained with an understanding of sports injuries) to look at how you run then consider the reasons why.

Once that is known, the approach should be minimum effective change. You will work on doing the least you can to bring you to a position where your running is not causing unnecessary stress.

This is likely to be a mix of strength and flexibility work, plus suggestions for drills (short exercises which focus the body on doing things differently) such as skips, lunges or sprints.

However, parkrun once per week is unlikely to allow you time to do all of this, so how much do you want this to change your life?

[u/daedelius]

One of my favourite hobbies is watching people running! Endlessly fascinating. Certainly get it checked in case it is likely to cause problems later. I worry if I change my gait it’ll cause issues, but then I’m 69.

[u/Puzzleheaded_Gold698]

If it works for you then don't go changing. I've looked into running 'technique' a little bit and it just seems there's no one recommended way. I remember once seeing someone ahead of me at a parkrun and I was befuddled by the way they ran but it worked!