My last post, the recap of my first half marathon, was also my 100th post. Wow! I can't believe I let that slip without acknowledging it. Seems like something I should of celebrated. Oh wait, in a way I did celebrate. I just ran a half marathon and by some crazy coincidence, the recap of it was my 100th post! Cool, right?
Ok, anyway...
Today, I met with a podiatrist. Right off the bat, I liked the doctor. Super nice and he has been a running since he was 15 years old and is now 51. Nice!
First we talked, then he watched me walk. We talked about my pronation issue with my right foot and he suggested an orthotic. I kind of expected that.
I told him how I felt like maybe I was doing something wrong when I was running and first he told me not to beat myself up and then he said he would film me running and see what was going on. This is called a gait analysis. Cool, let's do it!
I hopped on the treadmill and walked for a little then ran a little and then I was done. This is what we discovered.
From the back view, my hips fell too much. He said they should move slightly and that was not happening with me. Watching the video it made me laugh. It looked like I was doing some crazy swagger. What must people think who run behind me. LOL
From the side view, he said I went up too high, so when I am coming down, my leg is extending too far forward. Picture slamming on your brake. This is causing me to land wrong and in his opinion, causing a lot of my hip pain. Hope I explained that right and you understand.
So what does all this mean? Well, I have to change the way I run. I am not gonna lie, this has me a little freaked out. I am sure this will not be easy and honestly, I am not sure where to start. The doc had some suggestions and I will see him again when my orthotics are done. He is going to spend a little more time reviewing the video and may have a few more things to share with me.
So my friends, I know some of you have had this done and have changed how you run. How did you do it and where did you start? How long did it take you to get to where you need to be?
Do you wear an orthotic? Did it help you?
Tomorrow will be the first time I run since Sunday. My knee is still hurting a bit but I have stretches that seem to be helping.
Wish me luck!
Run Strong, Think Big!
You went to Dr. Sardella, right? I had a whole bunch of issues with my running form, but surprisingly, it wasn't that difficult to change them. It's a gradual process, though, so don't expect it to feel different right away - but it will feel different. The biggest change I noticed is that I now land much, much lighter when I run - mostly because I'm not overstriding. It feels much more gentle and natural, and not like I'm clomping along. Very strange to see a video of yourself running, though, isn't it???
ReplyDeleteYeah Michelle, Dr. Sardella. It was strange but cool and it was very easy to see what he was pointing out because it was very obvious. I do expect it to feel strange at first but I am sure I will be a better runner for it. Going to play around with it today on a short run.
DeleteBest of luck! You will do awesome!! Prayers for the knee! Have a happy Friday! Spa love!
ReplyDeleteThank you Jenna!
DeleteWow! At least you got some answers and can move forward. Good luck!! Wish I had some advice for you! :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Mindy!
DeleteMust feel great to now have a good understanding of what's doing what and causing what.
ReplyDeleteI wear Orthotics and I recently had them re-casted post baby because my body changed a little - not suprising when you think about what the hips and pelvis go through and of course the effect they then have on the whole chain down the leg.
Good Orthotics and being diligent with any corrective exercises and or stretches will have you achieve optimum running style in no time!
Good luck and sounds like you've got a great podiatrist... Runners "get" runners!
Ps congrats on 100th post!
Thank you! Glad to hear the orthotics help you. I get mine in a couple weeks. That is so true, Runners do get runners!
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