Running: The Way You Run

On Monday I was over at TCR Sport Labs to have a gait analysis done. I've been sore ever since.
The major objective to the whole exercise was to improve my running efficiency, of course. Basically, it involves a transition from a gait with a lot heel strike to more forefoot/mid-foot landing with a lean from the ankles to use more gravity to proper myself forward. Unfortunately, this has brought into play more than few muscles which are not used to being used in this manner. The other aspect of the change is keeping a higher cadence with a shorter stride. I've put on a lot of miles as a heel striker, so I didn't expect this to be easy. It certainly has made for some speedier running with the same effort.

Unfortunately it would seem I've overestimated just how much my muscles are rebelling. I've been doing a lot more core strength and stretching than I have running miles since the gait analysis. With all the sore and tight muscles I didn't want to overdo things, but I have done so anyway apparently. My right hip flexor was giving me trouble after a couple laps around the U of C indoor track today, so I called it quits on the running and did more core and stretching. It almost hurts sometimes now. I guess this means I will be making very slow progress again for a while.

So in the mean time core and stretching is the order of the days.

I am considering my options for coaching too. There are a number of individuals I can approach about coaching in a variety of forms in the immediate area. I don't know exactly what to do about it at this point other than I will undoubtedly benefit from any coaching I get. The big thing is the amount ground I need to cover literally and figuratively to make it through until October 2010. A coach could only help in achieving my goals for the Alberta Triple next year.

More news to come.