Reza’s running problems

(Original post 28 January 2011)

I don’t want to give the impression that my journey towards getting fit and competing in a triathlon is all easy and not without its problems. It’s the most difficult things I’ve ever done and I’m facing so many issues that it’s sometimes feels overwhelming. The biggest issue I am tackling so far is my running form and technique. I am not a natural runner. Nobody has ever taught me on the proper way. I remember someone saying to me ‘why don’t you just run’?

Well, believe me, there’s nothing more I like to do that just run. When I started in december, I had to spend nearly 45 minutes every night icing my legs and feet. Both my ankles were hurting and I had to limp around for quite awhile. The biggest problem was that my technique was completely wrong.

Just watch the video to see what my technique issues are and also see my improvements.

I knew that I had to achieve technical excellence if I wanted to stop the pain and get somewhere with my running. So I did a lot of research and got some new knowledge.

There are any proponents of running technique and the one that is on the forefront seems to be POSE Method of running which was developed by Dr Nicholas Romanov, a sports scientist and 2 time Olympic coach (learn more about POSE Method here).

There are a lot of resources on the web and I tried to do the drills but could never really get into it until I found out that there was actually someone in Malaysia who was offering POSE Method running clinics. Pushmore is an outfit in PJ which conducts crossfit training and their founder, Jonathan, is a certified POSE Method running trainer. I asked for a private session for me and some friends and I finally got to learn the technique.

I still have a long way to go and will write about the various drill I have to do to perfect my running technique.

I want to share this particular story as there is a big lesson here. Don’t let your deficiencies or lack of expertise and knowledge defeat you. You can always learn to do something better but you won’t get better until you actually practice it.

About Reza Ali

Reza Ali Reactivated tells of the journey of Reza Ali as he embarks on transforming himself from a 120kg (35kg overweight) 46 inch waist unhealthy and unfit person to someone who can compete in a triathlon. Don't be afraid to dream. Take action. Correct your mistakes. Learn from failures. Bit by bit, you will get closer to your dream.

If I Can Do It, So Can You.....

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