Running Proper?

Over the last few days I have become aware of a few running habits of mine and feel like I could use some advice on improvement.

*What is the difference in jogging and running?

*What is appropriate running posture…I feel like the top half of my body is too forward?

*Why do my ears and jaw ache when running in chilled air?

*Should I be running flat-footed or more on my toes?

Thank You for your help! Have a beautiful Wednesday.

Thanks KD for the Qs...and tHanks so very much B...for the answers!! These are great, I too have experienced many of these. Best Wishes everyone+

Posted by: Betty on May 15, 2008 at 09:26 AM

TIG! These are really common questions you've asked and your first is my personal favorite. I once had a friend of mine say that you know you're a runner when "shoe shopping" means Nike, not Manolo and you still get excited! All joking aside, I believe the "official definition" of the transition between jogger and runner is 15-20 miles a week. Once you are consistently doing over 20 miles a week - you've crossed over from recreational jogger to runner. Your posture should ALWAYS be perpendicular to the road when running, whether running flat, downhill or up hill. I tend to lean really far forward when going up hill. When I notice this, I repeat Jeff Galloway's mantra "run tall." Pretend there is a poll coming straight out of the top of your head and extending into the sky. That's your proper running posture. Proper running form is REALLY important to maintaining injury-free running. Try to be conscious of your form during all your runs. I have also experienced the ear/jaw ache phenomenon and I have always assumed that it was somehow related to my TMJ. There are a couple of theories as to why this happens - everything from you clenching your jaw unconsciously while running to the restriction of blood flow/loss of heat through your head when running in colder weather. I actually don't know what the answer is. You might want to ask your doctor the next time you're there. Finally, a lot of people think that running on your toes is better because that's the way the really fast sprinters run. It's actually not a good idea for distance running, and can actually lead to problems and pain in your shins and calf muscles. Instead, focus on landing with a heel or mid-foot strike (flat footed), then rolling to your toes. This will lead to a more comfortable, more efficient run. Great questions!

Posted by: bmoore on May 14, 2008 at 11:46 PM

Miles run by our community: 23,794

Running Proper?

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