General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Runners Drift Rss Feed  
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2016-11-26 2:03 PM

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Subject: Runners Drift
I have been running on and off(mostly on, averaging 20 mpw) for the past five years. I guess i never really paid much attention before, but i have been noticing that i tend to drift tothe left when running. Doesn't matter which side of the road I'm running on either. I have been riddled with various injuries through out the five year span and wondering if this may be contributing . Leg length discrepancy? No current injuries /issues. Any thoughts?


2016-11-26 3:09 PM
in reply to: goforit


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Subject: RE: Runners Drift
I drifted right for years. When I transitioned from a desk job to work where I spent most of my day on my feet I experienced intense lower back pain - left side mostly.

I visited a physical therapist and after 30 minutes of measuring and picture taking it was determined that my right leg is shorter by 1/8". I has given a couple of heel lifts to try out in my shoes. Within one week the back pain was gone and I noticed that I no longer drifted to the right. That was over 18 months ago and still no back pain and running partners are happy to run on my right.

2016-11-26 7:52 PM
in reply to: #5205915

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Subject: RE: Runners Drift
Thanks for the reply! I suspect the same with myself. Maybe a trip to the PT is in the near future.
2016-11-27 5:57 AM
in reply to: goforit

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Subject: RE: Runners Drift
Could also be a strength or flexibility difference that causes your stride to be asymmetrical, rather than a leg length difference. I tend to drift to the left a bit when swimming, particularly if not doing bilateral breathing, for reasons I've never quite figured out--my arms are definitely the same length!
2016-11-27 10:29 AM
in reply to: #5205942

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Subject: RE: Runners Drift
Maybe so Hotrunner. I "think " my left leg is somewhat stronger than the right. But with swimming, wouldn't the drifting be more of a cross over issue? Well, unless current is involved. Thanks for your reply.
2016-11-27 5:46 PM
in reply to: goforit

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Subject: RE: Runners Drift
Guessing it is crossover or over-rotating to breathe to the non-dominant side in my case. Though in one of the pools I swim in, it is either caused or compounded by jets from that side of the pool! It's more noticeable in open water--could also be something about the way I sight. If running, guessing it is leg length or strength.


2016-11-27 6:23 PM
in reply to: goforit

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Subject: RE: Runners Drift
Have you ever tried doing one legged pedaling on the bike? You can really notice there if one leg is stronger than the other.
2016-11-28 8:17 AM
in reply to: #5205972

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Subject: RE: Runners Drift
B2run, i have tried that before and it did seem my left leg was a little stronger, but i don't have a power meter or anything to "prove" that. Thanks.
2016-11-28 8:28 AM
in reply to: goforit

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Subject: RE: Runners Drift
I agree with Hot Runner that it is probably a strength or flexibility issue. Slight variations in leg length aren't going to cause that, and nearly everyone has them. A few years ago, I went to a PT for an Achilles tendon injury. He is a runner and specializes in sports injuries. He said that almost all running injuries are caused by muscle imbalances or one side being more flexible than the other. (He also said that no one's body is perfectly symmetrical). The exercises that he gave me were all to be done one leg at a time with the same number of repetitions for each. Standing on one leg, single leg squats, and single leg deadlifts can be done anywhere with no extra equipment. The stretches that he gave me were to be done one leg at a time, never pushing one farther than the other. He also advocated doing basic yoga moves while making sure to not work one side more than the other.
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