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Original poster

Niko Niko running technique experiences

332 replies

slowrun · 09/06/2018 16:46

Has anyone tried it? Does anyone want to try it and report back? I would love to hear of your experiences. Here is the technique:

m.youtube.com/watch?v=9L2b2khySLE

Personally, I ran for 27 minutes outside today using this technique after only watching the above clip on Wednesday and the following days practising it, doing 30 minutes continuous laps on carpet inside, each day, our house!

I didn't feel fit to drop, either.

I'm amazed!

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PollyPepper · 20/08/2021 19:38

Ok so first of all I know no one has posted on here for a year.

BUT.

I found this thread via a Coach to 5k one.

I'm on Week 2 of C25k. Today was the first time I gave Niko Niko a try, not having much faith it would make a difference.

WELL JESUS WEPT.

I have had the most enjoyable run I have ever done. I can't even explain how revolutionary this is. Compared to the last one I did, where I was literally counting down the seconds. I can't even compare, they are night and day. I found myself doing Niko jogging in the bits where the app was telling me to walk.

@slowrun I hope you're still about because I honestly can't thank you enough for this, and I have a few questions if that's okay!

My main one I guess is - Surely, as amazing as it is, it's just not as beneficial as 'normal' jogging? I don't go fast by any means but my last jog I was blowing out my behind, dripping in sweat. Today, whilst I was sweaty and can feel it in my legs, I can't help thinking I won't be increasing my endurance nearly as much (which is my goal - bleep test coming up for work). I suppose I'm now worrying that I've somehow cheated??

AM I A CHEAT??

Fredy45 · 05/01/2020 20:55

Sort of! Knee problems mean I have to run very slowly and I try to keep the technique in mind. It allowed me to strengthen my leg muscles enough to protect my joints

ipreferaflan · 05/01/2020 13:16

I've just started jogging again (new year resolution!) and remembered this thread from a while ago. I was on it under a different username and remember loving the technique - not quite sure why I stopped but went for my first 'Niko' run this morning and ran much further than I did a few days ago.

Does anyone still use this way to run?

Original poster
slowrun · 27/12/2018 20:11

Still going here! Indoor runs at the mo, though. Keep noticing more and more, people when I am out, I suspect are doing Niko Niko. Maybe it has caught on! GrinDH asked for a heart rate monitor FitBit for Xmas and has been loving it. He is incorporating a bit of the Niko for his 'warm up' and says he likes it.

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MagicKeysToAsda · 27/12/2018 14:14

How's everyone going? I am still plodding on, definitely getting a bit pacier without "trying", just getting out there three times a week. Ran this morning with a daft grin on myself because this time last year it would have been unimaginable to run at all, never mind 3.5 miles for pleasure!

Original poster
slowrun · 04/11/2018 19:48

I've kept going but being doing mainly 45 minute indoor runs because of the weather. I really need to get some cold weather running gear. DH has started doing outdoor runs when I do my indoor run. So has done more as I run just about every day. Mix of Niko Niko or maybe MAF switching into a fast run on the second half. He started doing Niko Niko when he strained the muscles around his knee a little and has kept with it. He likes it that it isn't as hard on the joints.

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cakeforone · 04/11/2018 18:59

This thread popped up in my active threads.

I started off so well with this but as soon as the summer holidays ended (I'm a teacher) I just can't seem to motivate myself to do it again. I went for a 'Niko' run with my DH last week for the first time in weeks but haven't been out since. I felt amazing afterwards.

Really need to give myself a big kick up the bum and get back to it. Darker mornings and nights will make it trickier but determined to get back to it.

How's everyone else going? Better than me hopefully 🙈

Original poster
slowrun · 04/11/2018 12:24

No problem. That is great!

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Powergower · 04/11/2018 10:28

Thank you for the encouragement! I've just done 20 minutes and feel great.

Original poster
slowrun · 04/11/2018 09:39

And 20 minutes is certainly worth doing because it will get you back into the swing of things.

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Original poster
slowrun · 04/11/2018 09:37

Go on do it! Twenty minutes, it takes longer to convince yourself not to do it and then regretting it! It's no time at all really. As long as it takes to sip a cup of tea.

Plan it. Maybe get someone to go with you so you won't bottle out. Do it at a time you really won't miss. I find as soon as my breakfast has settled a good time. I give myself about an hour and a half reading after breakfast for that. I eat breakfast at 7 normally.

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Powergower · 04/11/2018 07:01

I've been ill and fallen off the wagon. I think the problem it's that I'm all our nothing so I was doing 55 min run with added hiit then inclines.... so I kept pushing it further. Anyway, I miss fling it so much but i just can't get back into it. Feeling very sad about that. I want to do 20 min to get back into it but my mind keeps saying there's just no point fling any exercise for that length of time.

Original poster
slowrun · 08/09/2018 16:09

Fantastic, cake! Yes, I have felt like to when I have had to have a rest day for one reason or another. Grin

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cakeforone · 08/09/2018 16:06

I’m still loving it too! I’ve come down with a rotten cold and am quite put out that I can’t do a run as I need to rest. Hoping I’ll feel a little more myself tomorrow to do it. I NEVER thought I’d be saying that!

Agree about the feeling you get after. Feel amazing compared to doing my HIIT workout.

Original poster
slowrun · 08/09/2018 10:49

You're welcome, Power. I'm pleased too the Niko Niko has spurred on your running. Even to enjoying a bit of Hiit too! And getting a buzz from itGrin

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Powergower · 08/09/2018 10:20

I'm still running too. Loving it. I do a kind of hiit ruin for the last 5 minutes wgichh seems to really be toning me up. The high I get is incredible! Everything was getting to me, work home personal things. Now I feel back in control. Thank you for this thread!

Original poster
slowrun · 05/09/2018 11:35

That's good going Wiifit. Only did a timed run myself this morning, inside, with no accurate distance. Went for over 45 mins though.

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Original poster
slowrun · 05/09/2018 11:33

Welcome back, Faith! Good you've begun to get back into it. Hopefully you'll find some time in between everything else.

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Wiifitmama · 05/09/2018 11:32

Welcome back Faith! I only just restarted again after the summer too and am doing 2 miles 3 times a week. Amazingly, it only took a few runs to get much faster again. Yesterday I did the two miles in 28 minutes whereas my first run back was 2 miles in 34 minutes!

FaithInfinity · 05/09/2018 10:49

Hello, it’s Faith with a name tweak. Back after school holidays. I only ran once over the holidays Blush DH is marathon training so it’s difficult for me to go in the evenings too. I Niko’d this morning, about 2 miles. Not far or fast but at least I got out! Back on it now aiming for 2-3 times a week.

Original poster
slowrun · 02/09/2018 12:40

Excellent, Wiifit! I have not done a run where I've measured distance for a while now. Had a short operation so didn't run for a week and since then ran inside doing laps for a week and then ran laps on holiday as the garden was the best place to run without driving somewhere. Could have run this weekend outside but felt like a lie in! I should do one soon though to see if my running has progressed in the meantime.

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Wiifitmama · 02/09/2018 09:58

MY run this morning was great. I did my 2 Miles in 30 minutes! 2 minutes faster than yesterday. What I am finding is that if I concentrate on really short stride Niko running when I am on the harder bits (up inclines or just when finding it tough) but allow myself to go faster and have a slightly longer stride on the parts where it feels easier and more natural to do so (while still making sure not to heel strike), I can go faster!

Original poster
slowrun · 01/09/2018 11:35

Wiifit, the great thing about the Niko is that it's really fun finding out where it can take you. I can certainly go faster / run for longer since starting. I can easily run for over 50 minutes now. I feel tired but not out of puff or anything. My speed has increased too for my shorter run. Just over 11 minute miles when I last measured it. Smile

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Original poster
slowrun · 01/09/2018 11:30

Grinyou're welcome cakes. It's great isn't it, I couldn't not share my own experience of this style of running. I was absolutely bowled over when I tried this for the first time!

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Wiifitmama · 01/09/2018 10:08

Way to go @cakeforone !! It really is transformative. I have no problems with my knee when I use this technique. And previously I had endless physio. I went out this morning and did my 2 Miles. 32 minutes. I don’t really want to run for more than 35 minutes but at some point I would like to be doing more like 3 miles in that time. Something to aim for for next summer!