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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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Original poster
slowrun · 16/06/2018 21:19

I'm not so worried about being thought batty, now, Faith. They obviously don't know what we do! I mean I could be training like this as a serious competitive athlete! Although I don't suppose many would suspect a slightly chubby middle aged woman grinning inanely whilst slow jogging of being a serious athlete but you never know...Grin

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FaithEverPresent · 16/06/2018 20:56

I’ve been out again! Blush Smile I discovered that my Fitbit run setting can be kept on HR, it actually tells me whether the HR is fat burning or cardio (shifts up at 128BPM) so I ran for 30 minutes and did 23 of those in fat burning. Despite this I was actually faster than my run on Thursday (when my HR was about 130-135). I do feel quite buzzed now and found myself smiling as I ran. Between the speed and the smiles passers by must have thought I was batty!

I’m glad it’s helping you slow and MissMarples.

Original poster
slowrun · 16/06/2018 20:37

I'm hoping that too, MissMarples. I've been pretty sedentary for what feels like years. Firstly with nasty sciatica then breast cancer treatment - although I did get out for walks. My first aim was to be sedentary no longer! Losing the muffin would be fantastic. Really any weight loss would put less strain on my back.

I think Niko Niko is a good foundation for running, generally, though. From here I'll be able to build up to faster or longer runs, if I want to, but safe in the knowledge I can run for a reasonable distance, as long as I pace myself and pay attention to technique. Without this I wouldn't have even begun running.

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MissMarplesKnitting · 16/06/2018 20:30

I have never been enthused about running. I know it's good for me. I used to do it when I was young and fit, but i hated it.

I need to exercise and this might be a great way to fit it in. Hopefully it'll shift the mum tum and lardarse too.

Original poster
slowrun · 16/06/2018 20:06

That's fantastic, MissMarples!

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MissMarplesKnitting · 16/06/2018 20:03

Well I've done pretty much no proper exercise for a few months and just trotted round most of a 3.8km route round the village lanes here. And I enjoyed it. Had a little walk at some points as was getting lactic and HR going too high but not for long before I wanted to reiterate on again.

And the best bit was because I was just concentrating on my form I watched squirrels in the trees, a kestrel over the wheat fields and a pheasant or two as well.

I don't feel harangued knackered like after c25k runs. I feel great!

Interestingly my tummy muscles are feeling it as I've been thinking upright and tall as well as achy calves, but I was running home on what was normally my 'puffing like a carthorse' warm down. I actually wanted to keep running.

This is bloody great, this is.

HarryLovesDraco · 16/06/2018 19:10

Me too! Especially as it's hard to get out and run midweek after work so I want to make the most of the weekend.

Original poster
slowrun · 16/06/2018 19:05

Oh, that's good Harry. I'm pleased that this has made you enthusiastic about running too. I get how you feel though regarding overdoing it. I feel in danger of 'over training' myself and had to really force myself to take rest days. I felt noticeably twitchy during them too. Even though I did some low impact aerobics (active recovery). I think I just get such a buzz from knowing I can actually run (a bit). I just keep wanting to test it!

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HarryLovesDraco · 16/06/2018 18:56

thank you! I've been doing lots of stretching of the calves and foot and it's loads better so I'm not too worried. I got carried away with how easily I could keep going and went straight into running nearly 4K which is more than I've done in ages! I need to build my strength up. So loving this though, I feel like I've been persevering with running for so long waiting for the shoe to drop and it finally has. I get it!

Original poster
slowrun · 16/06/2018 18:52

But then again, we didn't evolve running on hard pavements!

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Original poster
slowrun · 16/06/2018 18:50

Oh no! Harry! I'm not sure barefoot running shoes would be good for that, either Harry. The theory is the structure of the foot can cope with running. However I suspect the foot in question would have to be strong already. I remember straining my arches once. I did foot exercises as soon as I could to get over that. My feet then were noticeably strong and I could even wear high heels without my foot aching. I hope you feet recover soon.

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HarryLovesDraco · 16/06/2018 18:41

I've given myself a plantar fasciitis type thing in my foot since doing this, I suspect because I ran a lot further than I usually do and didn't stretch properly afterwards. I'm not sure barefoot running shoes would be good for that.

MissMarplesKnitting · 16/06/2018 18:37

I pronate really badly and get all-sorts of problems as a resilt....and am nervous of giving up my super supportive trainers for people with messed up feet in case the shin and other issues come back

Original poster
slowrun · 16/06/2018 18:33

a slow jogging conga of kids....

Sounds funGrin!!!

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Original poster
slowrun · 16/06/2018 18:31

They look interesting Faith but I only recently bought brand new trainers. Just looked at the trainers I have. They do have the flat sole without a built up heel so they might be very similar actually. I know I do run with a mid/forefoot strike, I asked DH to watch me. So they don't hinder that. I think actual barefoot just feels nice on carpet. I suppose hard surface is just harder on all your muscles that act to neutralise the shock.

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FaithEverPresent · 16/06/2018 17:52

There’s barefoot running shoes on Amazon for £25 at the moment. Not sure I can justify them since I’ve only down two runs like this so far!!

MsDidoTwite · 16/06/2018 17:45

Anyone in Trafford/S. Manchester slow running or want to try out out as a group?

Original poster
slowrun · 16/06/2018 09:30

MissMarple, so pleased you enjoy it! Smile I'll be with you being a crazy lady! Love singing along!Grin Yes, I'm lusting after the minimalist barefoot running shoes a little bit. Not sure about the ones with separated toes though! All quite pricey from what I've seen, though, I'm afraid.

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MissMarplesKnitting · 16/06/2018 08:25

You can get barefoot running shoes?

I've not tried inside as I'd end up followed a slow jogging conga of kids....

MissMarplesKnitting · 16/06/2018 08:23

I have been slow jogging stroller n the school run, to friends houses as had crazy busy couple of days and not been out. Its....easy. and enjoyable! I love it. Also feel a bit zen.

Playlist wise, I've made my own on Spotify. Everything from Green Day, to George Ezra and Sia, via cheesy 90's club stuff. All of it I love and hopefully with this I can sing as I go, and look even more of a crazy lady.

I may try to Niko Niko round the park tonight....

Original poster
slowrun · 15/06/2018 23:37

Oh and I loved running to Haircut 100, 'Love Plus One' last time I ran indoorsGrin

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Original poster
slowrun · 15/06/2018 23:32

Great, Faith. Got to say I have loved some of my barefoot running circuits around my living room and hallway the best! I think it is because I can have uninterrupted music and I love running barefoot. Running is definitely easier with a softer landing (on carpet) and it is so easy to get the technique right barefoot. My calves don't even ache indoors. I don't think there is anywhere outside, near here, where barefoot running would be possible though..

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FaithEverPresent · 15/06/2018 23:04

It’s an interesting thing to find a good running playlist. Some stuff you think will work isn’t good! I found my favourite is ‘Don’t stop me now’ by Queen, once I realised this gave me an idea pace I looked up the BPM and then I found other songs I liked with similar BPM and compiled a playlist from there Smile

I did a bit more tonight, round my living room! Grin I’m doing SW, they do ‘body magic’ awards for activity. I got my gold last year, I’m now going for platinum which is 30 minutes exercise (can be 2 x 15), 5 days of the week for 8 weeks. I’d done 15 minutes walking at work (across the hospital site) so I did 15 minutes Yoki-ing round the living room to hit my step target and get my active minutes in! I managed to keep my HR to my target of 120 as well.

Original poster
slowrun · 15/06/2018 08:00

That's great Beach. Walking/running fits in with Niko Niko too. It's what Dr Hiroaki Tanaka recommends beginners can do on the YouTube clip.

I went on another outdoor run before breakfast today. Same distance same time. Calves still burning, especially at the start. I can't wait until they are strong enough not to burn! Feel ok now though. Smile Chris Evans still annoying me with chatting too much and in some instances over the musicShock! I can't wait until I get the MP3! Music really allows me to zone out. I loved the bits of my run where the music was playing.

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Beachcomber · 15/06/2018 07:37

I ran on Wednesday and really enjoyed it. Definitely get a zen / peace and love feeling afterwards with niko niko that I wasn't getting when I was trying to go faster.
Due to run today and I'm looking forward to it. I don't run far yet as am on C25K and I definitely still need the walking bits even with niko niko!

Am so look forward to being able to run for say 30 mins at a slow pace and really enjoy it. Smile

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