Leave a Comment:
(8) comments
I have observed that pulled hamstrings arise when 2 conditions are met: trailing leg + sudden acceleration. The solution: avoid trailing leg.
ReplyExactly. And guess what’s going on with the pelvis when the swing leg trails (or actually I prefer to say “lags” since it’s a problem of timing, the swing leg coming through too slowly)… either the entire pelvis is behind the foot at midstance or just the hip on the swing leg side. In other words, #1 or #2 of the causes I list. And the acceleration brings the whole coordination pattern across the tipping point into pain/injury. Yes, to avoid this you can be mindful of bringing your swing legs forward briskly, but this mostly works because it helps put the pelvis in the right place, since a lagging swing leg creates drag that pulls the pelvis back. However this doesn’t work for everybody, because not everybody’s pelvis will respond to the quicker forward movement of the leg. That’s why I recommend tuning up the core action, since it balances effort and timing in the flexors and extensors throughout the body and will keep the swing legs synchronized with the rest of the body so they don’t lag.
ReplyThanks for the explanation. I just discovered your site and it is excellent!
ReplyI have a strange question: Is it possible that incorporating new, more intelligent running technique can make you more winded, in the short-term?
I’ve had a certain amount of success with feeling my stride alter by doing things like “giving permission” to my pelvis/ lower back/core to move, rather than keep myself rigid. But I do find myself getting winded worse.
Is it possible that allowing more muscles “in on the action,” as it were, that you need more oxygen?
Equally plausible theory number 2: I’m just sucking wind lately. 🙂
ReplyHi MP. The simplest explanation might be that you’re running faster. If your technique changes result in faster running, even if it feels easier, your body is still dealing with more force and your heart rate may go up.
If you’re not running faster than before and you’re more winded, you’re probably overdoing something. You can test things out on a treadmill — try running different ways without changing the speed, and notice what makes you feel *less* winded, and that’s probably the right thing to do.
Third option, of course, is that the reason is something unrelated, like perhaps you haven’t been getting enough sleep to recover well from your workouts, or seasonal allergies are interfering with your breathing, or something else…
ReplyHi im havin terrible pain wit my hamstrings when i run , it used to happen around mile 20 it stops me in my tracks , its gettin worse now an just happened after only mile 3 , i got a marathon on sunday so been doin lots of stretches and romanian dead lifts last 2 days thats made it so much worse , any advice please as is so painfull thank you
ReplyI’m sorry to hear it, Steven! I’m not sure I have a solution for you in time for your marathon, but you could try this lesson: https://www.balancedrunner.com/free-your-feet/ Follow the instructions on how to do the lesson very carefully! Also, have you considered that the problem could be mineral/electrolyte related? Potassium, magnesium?
Reply