Running is one of those things no one teaches you. You just get out the door and go and build endurance and speed the more you just do it. Well, that’s what I figured anyhow. Sure there’s different ways to train – interval training, hill work, strengthening the right muscles — but I never thought much about my running form.
My frustration at my runner’s knee led me to seek out advice from a lot of people (that’s a gentle way to say I’ve been whining a lot, including on here). And most of the responses I got were expected: rest, do knee strengthening exercises, roll your muscles, go to a physical therapist, and for God’s sake’s Natalie just rest and don’t push the miles.
One coworker said something different. She told me when she was training for a race she was experiencing pain but running was crucial for her mental health at the time (I can relate) so she got a running coach who taught her a new way to run (a method used by the pros, including the recent marathon world record holder). No one ever teaches you how to run, she said, but this is a more natural way that prevents injury . . . as well as takes the stress off your knees.
She gave me an Instagram to follow packed with free content and suggested I look into the coaching. I did, and decided to sign for the 6 week training course to relearn my running style and hopefully prevent long-term injury. What I’m learning is that my pain seemed to come out of nowhere (no specific event caused it) as a result of running incorrectly (as so many of us do) for so long. That pressure builds to a breaking point.
The Run Rx course is led by my coworker’s same coach (Valerie Hunt, now based in Dallas) and is completely online. I went through the first set of videos (everything that was available this afternoon) and it reaffirmed my decision to spend some time learning these skills, even if it means stepping out of my normal running routine. I had to film a gait analysis to send in as well (one of three that happens during the course) where she personally analyzes your running gait.
I need to shake off my instant gratification craving if I want to keep running for the long haul. And right now I really, really do.
With Love,
Natalie