Running Technique: Ground Contact Landing and Push Off

I know, I know, I keep writing about the same thing… Running Technique, but it’s important! And don’t worry, I will move onto a different topic soon. But I have to say that how your foot lands on the ground and how you push off is significant. Because this is where painful shin splints can come from. I have fortunately never really experienced shin splints but I have some friends who can’t leave their beds because of how bad it hurts. I don’t want that to be you!

I can’t even imagine not being able to go out and run and have fun! So go out there and keep running. Practice makes perfect. I’m about to go on a run in the rain now! No excuses! :) Time for me to get off the computer!

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Running Technique: 5 Foot Position

When I go out running, I tend to watch other runners. I look at their technique… their arms, their legs, their feet, etc. and compare it to my own. By watching others and technique videos, I feel like my overall running has improved greatly. Your feet control a lot while you run. If your foot strike is not how it should be, it could just make everything else fall out of place such as your knees, quads, and hips. And that’s the last thing anyone wants.

Running is a repetitive motion. You do the same movements over and over again, that is why you want to make sure everything is correct because repeating something wrong and putting it into muscle memory, is really difficult to change. And that could be damaging muscles or bones that will make running a living nightmare. Don’t be scared of injuries because they are preventable. Just be smart about it. Go out and try practicing proper foot technique, that duck running looks painful so make sure that’s not you! Good luck with your running :)

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Running Technique: Knee and Quad Position

So I don’t know how serious you are about running but knee and quad positioning are extremely important. Many runners develop bad knees from bad technique. You don’t want that to be you in a couple of years! So this video should help you prevent short-term and long-term injuries that may result from bad running technique.

I suggest videotaping yourself running. Then you can play it back and relate to this video in order to double check that you are doing everything you need to be doing while running. I used to do that when I was beginning to play tennis. I would videotape my practice or a match and watch to see if my forehand technique was correct or if my footwork needed improvement. It’s not weird to record yourself. Just try it! It’s fun to watch yourself improve as well.

Also, don’t over think what you have to do. Just watch the technique and see if yours matches up. Don’t make it too complex as too where your running goes downhill because you are thinking way too much. You want to be relaxed and you also want to be enjoying running. Overall, as long as you avoid the things that cause injury, I think you will be good! And your running will be even better!

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Shoe Review: Day 3 – 4 Mile Beach Run

Running on the beach!

Running on the beach was the final test for my Karhu’s. Since I live in Florida near the coast, I absolutely love going to the beach. I like to get tone and tan, it’s a small handful who don’t like that combination. So in order to do that, I go for a nice run along the shoreline then relax by soaking up some sun. Florida has beautiful weather, however, in the summer time things tend to heat up significantly. It was close to 90 degrees Farhenheit but thankfully the sea breeze keeps it slightly cooler. The sand at this particularly beach where I love to run is packed down and the ground is even so it makes the run so nice. I have been to beaches where the sand is thick, and really difficult to just walk in. Also, some beaches are sloped by the shore making it painful to run, definitely not the case here.

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The Karhu shoes worked perfectly. I had no problems at all. Some people may ask why I just don’t run barefoot on the beach? And I like to run with shoes because of all the shells. I don’t know if you have ever stepped on a sharp shell but it is not a good feeling. If you have never gone for a run on a beach, DO IT! The scenery is all paradise and if you get hot, just take a break in the water. Running and the beach are two of my favorite things and being able to combine them makes me the happiest I ever am. :)

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Show Review: Day 2 – 8K Trail Run

Trail Run!

Trail running is probably one of my favorite things to do. The scenery makes it so much more fun and enjoyable. Also, the trails are shaded, which is nice. Running on a treadmill or the road can get boring to me so surrounding myself with nature just gives me an extra boost.

Shoes still look good

Recently, I took my new Karhu running shoes to one of my favorite places to run: The Trails. I run these trails more often then any other place. It was once again a gorgeous day: Sunny, however shady in the trails, and about 84 degrees Fahrenheit. The trails I run are well wooded with a packed-down ground made up of leaves, dirt, soil, and other things you find in nature. The shoes I have been running in are great for trail running so I didn’t know if the Karhu’s would be able to keep up… Ohhh was I wrong for questioning their ability. The time flew by! Before I knew it, the trail run was over and I felt great! I think I’m finally getting ready for a race, I have felt a huge improvement lately in my running ability. Also, my feet weren’t hurting, which is great news! I have experienced shoes that make my feet hurt, blister, and cramp. Avoiding all of that completely made my day. Also, just make sure you where comfortable and high socks because that helps a lot. I like extra comfort while breaking-in new shoes and I have had some problems with my socks sliding down. You don’t want to be thinking about all of that while running but thankfully, the socks are an easy fix. So no worries. :)

Make sure when you get new running shoes to really test them out. See where they work best. It’s fun testing them out and seeing what they are capable of and seeing if they are the shoe for you. If you are interested in testing Karhu products… GO FOR IT! The link is below.

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Running Technique: Pelvis and Upper Body Position

Running seems so simple but some of us unfortuantely struggle with it. It’s good to practice the correct form and technique while running to prevent injury and to make the experience more enjoyable. By watching this video (that is less then 3 minutes) you will learn how to effectively use your upper body and pelvis while running.

You want to practice having your upper body slightly tipped forward, which is something I learned. I never even thought about it! I think I keep myself too upright sometimes, so now I know, next time I go out running to work on this. Being too upright could hurt my back, so I definitely want to fix that. Also, by having your pelvis positioned correctly, it will help your body move forward more efficiently. Something that I think most runners want. Now it’s time to go out and run! Get off the computer, that won’t help your technique! haha

More videos on technique to come, so be looking for those!

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Shoe Review: First Day in the KARHU’s – 5K Road Run

Today I did my first run in my new KARHU’s! If you are like me, I am totally new to KARHU. I love trying new things so KARHU was sounding perfect from the beginning! I was sad to go out and get these beautiful new shoes dirty. But to start, I didn’t want to overdue it… I like to ease into new shoes in order to get my feet used to the new feeling so I started with a light 5K road run on a great day. The weather was partly cloudy and about 84 degrees Fahrenheit. Love it!

KARHU's Flow-Fulcrum Ride… All you can want in a running shoe.

My pair of KARHU’s are the Flow-Fulcrum Ride in Bright Violet/Scream. These shoes are said to be for the performance neutral runner seeking lightweight foot strike management with a highly responsive, durable forward ride. The sneakers are engineered with neutral performance fulcrum, the Flow-Fulcrum Ride is suited for faster, long distance running and racing with a clean, supportive minimalist design. But if this type of runner is not you, don’t fret! KARHU produces shoes for all levels and foot strikes. I already love many aspects about this running shoe. First thing I noticed when I put them on, was the extra comfort on the heel of my foot. There’s a lot more cushion along the bottom of my foot, which I like! Also, I have plenty of stability and ankle support. I laced up to the very top hole and it was perfect.  My run went very smooth. I had no problems. There was a little stiffness but every shoe I have ever owned has required a short break in period so other then that these shoes treated me very well.

First run in my new KARHU running shoes!

If KARHU’s aren’t known for their crazy, fun colors, they should be! The style nowadays for running shoes seems to be bright and vibrant colors. If you are like me, I love bright colors. I like shoes that stand out. While walking around my college campus wearing my new KARHU’s, I get so many compliments! I love the attention my running shoes give me.

The vibrant colors of KARHU made it love at first sight

I can’t wait to see where these shoes take me. I will be doing a lot more testing to see what they can handle! If you have any questions for me regarding the shoes, just ask in a comment! Or if you own a pair feel free to share your thoughts!

 

Thank you for reading!