Subject: Running form, head/neck posture help... Hey all... I'll TRY to make this quick. When I run, I really have a tendency to run with my head/neck cocked back, sort of resting on my shoulders, with my chin up. This is just a natural-feeling running position for me. However, I can tell it is definitely NOT right - at the end of a 5-mile run, my neck and traps are very tense, borderline cramping, and often hurt more than anything else in my body. If I ran for longer distance (which I likely eventually will) I think it would become an even bigger problem. I'm also guessing that, although I don't FEEL it, this probably produces an excessively upright posture, which is probably hurting my running efficiency. I have tried and tried to consciously force myself into a more "normal" head-forward position. It feels a little awkward for me to run this way, but the bigger problem is that I have a very hard time just focusing on my form throughout and entire run. As I'm sure we all agree, running is much smoother and easier for me when you can get into "the groove" and just sort of let your mind zone out and go on autopilot. Constantly focusing on my form and posture is very difficult, and I can't maintain it 100% of the time just through sheer will. When I get into autopilot mode (I refer to it in my training log notes as "cruise control", I revert back to this head-back/chin-up position. Any advice, tips/tricks/pointers to help address this problem? Do I need to get my lower lip pierced and hang a 24 oz. water bottle from it? Chris Edited by crkoester 2008-09-07 6:51 PM
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