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SALT LAKE CITY — For most beginners, feeling the unfamiliar tightness of your lungs or the newly felt aches in your legs isn’t the most desirable feeling in the world.
However, running does not have to be a painful process and it should not be one either. With the proper gear, technique and training, running can become an incredibly invigorating experience.
Running gear
One of the most important aspects of running is to remember that proper running gear varies according to the individual runner. As tempting as it is to purchase shoes by color preference or style, it is far more important to find the right fit for your running form. Running shoes will be one of the most important purchases for your exercise you make.
Each running shoe has different aspects such as heel drops and the type of material used. With the growing popularity of minimalist running, understanding the idea of a heel drop will make shopping an easier process.
The heel drop options help to accommodate various running forms for different types of styles. This is beneficial for those who have running habits that can cause injury. Picking the right type of shoe will help to prevent accidents from occurring and make the run more comfortable.
"A heel drop is essentially a measurement for how fat a running shoe’s heel feels," Gearinstitute.com wrote. “ A shoe with a thick heel demands that you run on your heels — it shoves a wedge of foam beneath your heel which has to hit the ground first. A shoe that’s flat allows you to run on your midfoot — so your entire foot hits the ground at the same moment as your heel. That’s not only the most efficient stride, but it’s also the one that will send the least amount of shock up your leg, reducing your propensity for injuries.”
If there is still some hesitation in which shoes to purchase, one of the best resources to use is a running store. Many running stores located throughout Utah offer a free running test to pair you up with the correct shoe. During this running test, you’ll be asked to run on a treadmill and your gait will be recorded for evaluation. An employee can then recommend options for several styles and brands.
Running form can not be taught or learned for the most part. Most experts agree on that — there is no specific way to run.
–Coach Elfi Oretenburger
Technique
Technique plays just as large of a role as proper gear.
Coach Elfi Oretenburger has been coaching for 15 years now and currently coaches with Huntsman Hometown Heroes. After receiving training from experts such as Jeff Galloway and the head athletic trainer at UCLA, Jackie Hansen, Ortenburger has some important advice for running form.
“Running form can not be taught or learned for the most part. Most experts agree on that — there is no specific way to run," Oretenburger said. "The elite were born to run in a way that is perfect and yet many still have their individual style. You can learn, for example, how to run up a hill better by taking a shorter stride, or change your cadence when you run. But that is not running form. My job as a coach with new runners is to make sure they do not run too much or too fast too soon and don’t try to keep up with others, make sure they get a shoe that works for them and plenty of recovery time.”
Hold yourself accountable
Now that you’ve got the right gear and the basics of technique, it’s time to put some miles in and start utilizing the tools you’ve gathered.
Taking time with a running coach is ideal, as a running coach can help to schedule out runs and critique your running form. However, a running coach may not always be available, whether it’s due to schedule conflicts or the cost. Luckily, there are many free running plans available online. They range from beginners to those looking to qualify for Boston.
Having a schedule is important because it will help build endurance. Running is a process, one that requires a lot of dedication. Sticking to a plan will provide the motivation needed to progress towards longer distances.
With groups available throughout Utah, the running community provides support and motivation for all types of runners. Running can be one of the toughest sports out there, but in a way, it can be one of the most intimate ones. Along the path of the hill climbs and the rougher roads, you’ll find out what your body really is capable of. With enough trust, you’ll come out stronger than you ever imagined.
Jessica Kaing is a student at the University of Utah and a social media intern for ksl.com. Email her at socialintern@deseretdigital.com.
