What is a good running style?

Hi,

I'm currently one of the many people out there daft enough to run the London Marathon this year and so been training for a while now. It's going quite well although sometimes when I run I get really bad lower back pain, almost like a cramp, and as a result have to stop and try and stretch it out. I live in a hilly are so thinking now that it may have something to do with the way I run up and down difernt gradients. Or could it be something as simple as not stretching enough before running? Does your running style effect this or not?

Cheers
Doofus

Hey Doofus,

It could be a mixture of things; being no expert I cant really pinpoint it. That said, I had a similar sort of pain and it was because I wasn't warming my hamstrings up enough! Sounds daft I know but stiff hamstrings can have this effect on your back. I'd recommend going or a little light jog to warm up for a few mins and then do a good stretch session before your propper run. Let us know how you get on.

Hi,

I've been suffering a bit too so thanks for the advice Del. Hey, did anyone watch the football last night? I can't believe Liverpool lost!!

I've had swelling and pain in both my right foot and left achilles tendon. Both it seem stem from tight hamstrings and not stretching enough.

It seems that spending significant amounts of time stretching before and after is the best investment you can make.

Good luck.

A lot of pains will probably be solved by a good warm up and stretch as well as a good cool down and plenty of stretches.

When running, run with whatever posture is comfortable for you.

Back ache is also due to weak core muscles, which will have to work harder going up hill,try doing some excersises possibly on a gym ball. I,m sure you can find some info on the net, if not look in some running mags they have advice in there

Perhaps thats why I have been getting a touch of back trouble, I too live in a hilly area. Thats Sandy!

try sitting on a gym ball at work instead of a normal chair. Looks weird but it can really help your posture!