Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Exercise

Chat to other fitness enthusiasts on our Exercise forum.

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!

OP posts:
Original poster
slowrun · 12/06/2018 07:37

thenewwave, I've only a very basic Nokia PAYG and spend next to nothing on calls and texts so I can't get Spotify on it. But yes, I reckon Spotify would be better than radio. If I get an MP3 (they're only cheap) I'll be able to listen to what I want.

OP posts:
thenewaveragebear1983 · 12/06/2018 07:34

Slowrun depending on what phone you have, get Spotify if you want music. Much better than radio!

Original poster
slowrun · 12/06/2018 07:33

The technique bit of the clip is shown towards the end.

OP posts:
AtSea1979 · 12/06/2018 07:32

I’m sure this is what I do when i’m running flat out anyway. I just can’t widen my steps or pick up speed without feeling like I can’t breathe.

thenewaveragebear1983 · 12/06/2018 07:22

I tried it but felt like I was ‘playing’ running, it definitely wasn’t my natural technique. I will continue though. It’s hard to see what I actually look like while running, so I need to divert my route so I go past some glass fronted shops!!

Original poster
slowrun · 12/06/2018 07:21

Faith don't know. He maybe improved his aerobic fitness. Have you seen 'The Tarahumara..'on YouTube?

Barefoot running technique is much the same.

OP posts:
Original poster
slowrun · 12/06/2018 07:18

That's great, Belonger. I feel a lot like that. I wouldn't even be running if it wasn't for this.

I have just completed my second outdoor run today. Hard surface is definitely harder! (than carpet) my calves were burning the first 15 - 20 minutes and I was annoyed by Chris Evans talking too much and not playing enough music but not much choice on radio stations as my phone only does FM. However I ran my route (1.8 miles) all the way and in about the same time, 27 minutes.

...I am going to ask for an MP3 player for my birthday soon!

OP posts:
FaithEverPresent · 12/06/2018 07:13

I’m intrigued by this. I read the article - I can’t work out how he improved his marathon time using this technique?

Belonger · 12/06/2018 06:51

Just wanted to thank you for posting this - I love it! Am doing Cto5k, am on week 7 and this has helped hugely - have managed to do an extra 5 mins on top of my 25 mins!

Really like this approach - I know that for me, because I don't actually enjoy running, the main thing is always to try and make it less horrible so that I am willing to keep doing it! If I can master this technique and get my head round allowing myself to be slow - to be slow on purpose - I can imagine making running/jogging something that I want to integrate into my life long term.

Original poster
slowrun · 11/06/2018 20:05

We have a biggish lounge which I run round and then into the hallway. But garden would be great too. We have lots of wild garden birds and a motion sensor wildlife camera set up in ours so I didn't want to disturb them! Grin

I'm planning to actually run to the park, around it and back tomorrow again, though. I'll go very early before breakfast. It's cool at that time and not many people about.

OP posts:
Surfingwhippet · 11/06/2018 19:58

Yes i think it works well.
Do you have a big room to run around then? I tried this morning but the dogs kept getting in the way. I may venture into the garden tomorrow and try there

Original poster
slowrun · 11/06/2018 15:45

Surfing, regarding fat burning I discovered I've actually lost between half a pound and a pound (scales were hovering) since starting this last Wednesday. Even though I stuffed my face at the weekend! Which is good. Smile

OP posts:
Original poster
slowrun · 11/06/2018 15:40

You're welcome, Surfing. I completed a 35 minute indoor run today. Barefoot on carpet with music blaring. Was very enjoyable. Even sang along to some of it!

OP posts:
Surfingwhippet · 11/06/2018 15:34

I used to run like this when i read somewhere that the optimal heart rate for fat burning was quite low. I enjoyed running then.
I stopped for some reason. When i tried running again a while back i tried one of the couch to 5km plans and hated it, but i ran much faster than this.
What I'm trying to say is thanks for reminding me of the enjoyment of running slowly. I think I'm going to give it a go again

Original poster
slowrun · 11/06/2018 12:03

B1rd, yes I think it can sometimes take a while to retrain yourself if you are used to doing something a different way. The dropped knee position reminds me of skiing and it is the way I tended to walk about when I hurt my back! So I was used to the positioning.

Great that it is better for your breathing and joints. Keep reporting back! I had a rest day yesterday and will have an indoor run on carpet today. I'm planning another outdoor run early tomorrow morning (less people about) Grin!

OP posts:
B1rdonawire · 11/06/2018 11:09

Gave this a try today after reading your thread and links. Am beginner (wk 7 of c25k but spread over about 12 weeks). Couldn't get the hang of it at first, so left it and then tried once warmed up a bit - loved it. I think it's much gentler on my knees and hips, though I had to really concentrate to avoid shin pain. Seemed to cover much the same distance as usual but much more quietly as feet not thudding and breathing not gasping Grin Will definitely keep trying it.

Original poster
slowrun · 10/06/2018 10:29

Empress, great! Let us know how it goes, 🙂

OP posts:
EmpressOfSpartacus · 10/06/2018 10:26

This is really interesting, thanks slowrun. I'll give it a go round my flat later.

Original poster
slowrun · 09/06/2018 21:09

Hope it works for you, Rapunzel🙂

OP posts:
RapunzelsRealMom · 09/06/2018 20:55

This is so interesting.

I have literally just bought new running shoes to get back into running after about 5 years. I have hip problems and been advised not to run but I miss it so much, I really feel I want to try.

This looks very gentle on the joints, thank you for sharing. I'm trying this tomorrow

Original poster
slowrun · 09/06/2018 20:27

My trainers are not really really thin sole but they are quite flat. The toe does not curl up much neither is the heel built up. This site shows you the styles to look for:

info.runjanji.com/blog/best-running-shoes-for-midfoot-strikers-for-2017

OP posts:
Twerking9to5 · 09/06/2018 20:23

Interesting! Thanks for the link. Those of you who have tried it-have you got the thin soled shoes?

Original poster
slowrun · 09/06/2018 20:17

I initially tried it barefoot on the carpet, inside Una. Was a nice introduction. Just did circuits of lounge and hallway for half an hour to music. Barefoot with a soft landing is a good way to hone the technique IMO as you get real bio feedback. My DH then showed me an article which stated runners do this to retrain to forefoot/midfoot strike.

OP posts:
UnaOfStormhold · 09/06/2018 19:52

Interesting! I've hated running for ages - for a long while I tended to throw up but now I don't even reach that point because I get nasty shin splints very early on. I've tried forefoot strike but never really got comfortable with it. But running slowly might give me the chance to get used to better technique. Hmm.

Original poster
slowrun · 09/06/2018 18:32

Maybe try it and report back, Penguin. I'd love to hear what your coach says about it, too.

OP posts:
Swipe left for the next trending thread