The Running Thread - 2016

[camaker]

it's worn on the upper firearm.

Sounds like all that cross training has given you a set of "guns"!

 

[dis_or_dat]

ATTQOTD: I've been working on leaning forward to help with momentum, especially when I'm trying to gain/maintain speed. When I'm fatigued, I get lazy and start leaning back. I think it's practically impossible for me to decrease my cadence (yes, I said decrease!). My crazy shuffle is too ingrained.

 

[DopeyBadger]

Good source for any running tech product questions is always https://www.dcrainmaker.com/. I use a HRM that is separate from watch, it's worn on the upper firearm and have had good results. I just went with that though bc I already had a watch and didn't want to buy a new one with the included HRM.

I don't have any thoughts on the wrist ones, but I do like my Scosche Rhythm+. It pairs with my Garmin 220 and it is a soft arm strap HRM, with similar tech to the wrist ones. There's a plastic piece with the LEDs on the bottom and you can strap it anywhere on your arm. I strap mine to my upper arm, above my bicep, and it's hidden by my shirt sleeve usually and I never notice it's there once I'm wearing it. I got it because 1) I already had the Garmin 220 and didn't want to spend the extra money to upgrade my watch and 2) I wasn't sure I would like the wrist strap one even if I did. My watch tends to slide around on my wrist, it's not always laying perfectly flat, and I didn't know if that would screw up the readings since the sensors would not always be right on my skin.

Edit: This is the one @croach mentioned in his post above. I got the recommendation from DC Rainmaker, too.

Would it be possible for me to wear it on my other wrist rather than my forearm?

That's interesting. I was looking at getting the Garmin 235 for $250, but my only reason was to have an optical HR monitor. But it sounds like I could get this instead for $80 (and technically $64 if I sign up to be a clever training VIP).

Thanks for sharing!

 

[rteetz]

QOTD: Today, let's discuss good running form. What do you think about while running in order to maintain good running form?

Running form is big to me. In playing football I went to a trainer from 5th grade to 12th grade. He is a Nike Sparq trainer who has been the speed and agility coach for the Milwaukee Brewers, Kansas City Royals, and countless other MLB teams. He has also worked with numerous college and NFL football players. Former Badger QB Joel Stave was part of his program and I got to train with him as well as a former NFL tight end for the Steelers. He also trained Vikings Cornerback Trey Waynes, and Chargers Runningback Melvin Gordon.

In training with him form is where we start. We began with simple warm ups and then progressed into pure form technique. Sure running 40 yard dashes is a bit different than running marathons but I still use that technique since it's so ingrained in me after doing it for 8 years.

When running I think about a few things.
1. Don't run like a pencil.
2. Don't cross your arms when swinging as that makes your body move different.
3. The faster you move your arms the faster you move your feet.

 

[surfde22]

QOTD: Today, let's discuss good running form. What do you think about while running in order to maintain good running form?

I don't think about form too much. I know I don't have what most would consider an efficient form, but it works for me. Occasionally, I think about keeping my core tight or arms/hands relaxed, but not too often.

ATTQOTD: I've been working on leaning forward to help with momentum, especially when I'm trying to gain/maintain speed. When I'm fatigued, I get lazy and start leaning back. I think it's practically impossible for me to decrease my cadence (yes, I said decrease!). My crazy shuffle is too ingrained.

I have the opposite problem. I cannot increase my cadence to save my life, and trust me I've tried. My PT evaluated my form and gave me things to work on, which included increasing my cadence. It just doesn't happen. I'm consistently at 145-155 no matter what I try.

 

[RunDisneyDad]

What do you think about while running in order to maintain good running form?

I think about trying to stay relaxed which primarily includes keeping my shoulders relaxed.

 

[disneydaydreamer33]

My 7 year old son has started to take an interest in running and I've been taking him out on some short little runs over the last week and a bit. I make sure to treat it like a "real" run and we drive over to the park and I make a big deal about it for him...he seems to be enjoying it and wants to try to do a 5K in the Spring (he tells me his goal is 25 minutes haha...I said that might be a bit ambitious).

Anyone else run with their young children? What do you do to keep it fun and interesting for them? I really don't want to push him at all and burn him out on it, but I also want him to appreciate that it is something he needs to work at and take seriously as well.

I started out really excited about getting my kids excited about running. They run about 2 fun, local races each year, but as I said a few months ago I got very discouraged at our last race I did with them (ages 10 and 8), and have been questioning where to go from here. Bottom line is kids are individuals and you can show them what is exciting to you, but they may choose a different path

Can I ask a question about heart rate monitors? I am thinking of getting one, preferrably combined with a GPS. I used to have one that was with a breast strap and I always hated it. Not only was it uncomfortable, it always seemed to give me totally crazy readings. Like suddenly jumping up to 190 during an easy run and then going down to 75 immediately after. And it wasn't as if it was a weired jump for a few seconds, it would stay at those crazy readings for minutes. After it got more and more frustrating, I just gave up on it. Now I am considering one of those new ones that measure your heart rate on your wrist. How reliable are those? I would appreciate to hear some people's experiences!

I love my Garmin 235!

I've never heard the "keep shoulders down" when it comes to running, but that message got blasted at me on repeat with dancing. So I think I naturally just keep them down from fear of past dance teachers jumping out at me at anytime. Good to know its a universal "fix."

This was my EXACT thought on the QOTD! I had some pretty strict dance teachers and now "core in/shoulders down/long spine" is pretty second nature to me

 

[SunDial]

Speaking of heart rate straps and such, Amazon is having a huge sale on the Garmin 920XT right now. You can get the watch alone for $200 and the bundle with the running heart rate strap for $250. Incredibly cheap prices for a top-of-the-line watch.

Thanks for this info John. Been holding off on picking it up. Now it is time to grab it.

 

[Dis5150]

ATTQOTD: I am constantly "hunching" over. So when I catch myself I do something that @DopeyBadger recommended (forgive me if I quote it wrong!). Intertwine fingers in front of you, turn palms down then lift arms up over your head with fingers still intertwined. Untwine fingers, bring arms straight down to your sides keeping your shoulders in this position. Helps me stand up straight every time.

 

[croach]

Would it be possible for me to wear it on my other wrist rather than my forearm?

That's interesting. I was looking at getting the Garmin 235 for $250, but my only reason was to have an optical HR monitor. But it sounds like I could get this instead for $80 (and technically $64 if I sign up to be a clever training VIP).

Thanks for sharing!

I'll check my instructions at home if I can find them but in all of there promotional data is shown being worn ride below the elbow. I also sent a twitter question to dcrainmaker to see if he had any thoughts. He's usually pretty responsive there.

 

[cburnett11]

ATTQOD: I don't overthink it too much. I try to keep my head up. I also try to keep my arms relaxed but moving front to back with no side motion. When I go uphill, I shorten my stride and exaggerate my arm motions. When I go downhill, I try to stay perpendicular to the hill and not fight gravity.

 

[roxymama]

ATTQOTD: I am constantly "hunching" over. So when I catch myself I do something that @DopeyBadger recommended (forgive me if I quote it wrong!). Intertwine fingers in front of you, turn palms down then lift arms up over your head with fingers still intertwined. Untwine fingers, bring arms straight down to your sides keeping your shoulders in this position. Helps me stand up straight every time.

Hunch your shoulders and then try to lift your chest with your shoulders still hunched...it's really hard right? Now go ahead and lift your chest up...It automatically brings your shoulders down and straightens you right up. Not sure how that pertains to running, but it's good for ballet and ballroom

 

[michigandergirl]

ATTQOTD: My yoga background has taught me a lot about posture and good alignment. For me, running form is like tadasana or mountain pose in yoga - toes pointing straight forward, legs engaged, pelvis neutral, slight lift in the pit of the belly, chest lifted, shoulders down. After every mile on long runs/races I shake out my arms and roll my shoulders/neck to try and stay relaxed, but after mile 20 in a marathon my form definitely takes a hit.

 

[BuckeyeBama]

On my easy runs, I don't think about anything run related. I just stay relaxed and let my body do what feels right. On my hard days, I concentrate on many things.

Cadence - want it to be at or above 180
Posture - I imagine that there are two strings attached to my chest. They are pulling my chest up and forward. This helps me to remain upright (assists in breathing) and it gives me a forward lean from the ankles.
Foot strike - I am transitioning back from a forefoot to a midfoot strike, so that gets some focus.
Arms - I don't think about the arm swing because mine does not cross over my body, but I do actively use my arms in running - especially up hills.
Relax - every part of my body not used in running at that moment should stay totally relaxed.

 

[PrincessV]

ATTQOD: I actually try not to think about form too much because when I think about it, I tend to do screwy things. Thanks to a lifetime of ballet and yoga, good running form comes pretty naturally to me... which, sadly, hasn't done squat for my speed or endurance, lol!

 

[Chasing Dopey]

ATTQOTD: When I do think of form, it drifts through several different areas, so I end up covering most of what's already been mentioned at some point. However, I do listen to my feet. I'm working on running with as little impact loading as I can, so without all the equipment, one way to gauge that is to step as quietly as possible. (When I'm sneaking up on dogs, I know I'm on the right track.)

... tighten my glutes (which took a little practice).

How does that work? I can feel the glutes firing, but I'm not sure how I would hold them tight while running.

I was looking at getting the Garmin 235 for $250...

Where are you finding the 235 for $250?

 

[DopeyBadger]

Where are you finding the 235 for $250?

It looks like Dick's Sporting Goods will have them for $250 per the Black Friday ad. And while the ad is ambiguous I put two and two together with $330 starting price and $80 off.

Link to ad

Edit to add - As with all Garmin pricing everyone should have the same price. So while Dick's is the only one I could find at $250, there should be other retailers with the same price. At least that's what I've seen in the past, and dcrainmaker speaks to it directly in his post about the Fenix3 being $450 at one place and $399 at another and the one retailer getting clarification from Garmin on what price they are allowed to sell at.

 

[NurseRunner]

ATQOOD: I run/walk, so every 5 rotations or so when I start my run cycle I will straighten out and focus on form. That being said, I've never really been evaluated for running form.

 

[opusone]

How does that work? I can feel the glutes firing, but I'm not sure how I would hold them tight while running.

If you can feel your glutes firing, then you are fine. I don't hold them tight for very long... just a few seconds to get them to work harder again. Make sense? It's like I need to remind them periodically to do their fair share - I think they acquired these bad habits during a running injury earlier this year.

Where are you finding the 235 for $250?

dcrainmaker speaks to it directly in his post about the Fenix3 being $450 at one place and $399 at another and the one retailer getting clarification from Garmin on what price they are allowed to sell at.

Some of the Garmin devices were already discounted on 11/11, but the 235 price won't be reduced until 11/24. The Fenix 3 HR is currently reduced to $450, but on 11/24, it should go down even more to $399. See DCRainmaker's post I linked in my earlier post. His table shows all this.

 

[croach]

Would it be possible for me to wear it on my other wrist rather than my forearm?

That's interesting. I was looking at getting the Garmin 235 for $250, but my only reason was to have an optical HR monitor. But it sounds like I could get this instead for $80 (and technically $64 if I sign up to be a clever training VIP).

Thanks for sharing!

The instruction manual says to wear it below your elbow. Maybe shoot them a question and ask if it can be worn on the wrist?