Niko Niko running technique experiences

[slowrun]

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!

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!

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

Barefoot running technique is much the same.

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!!

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.

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

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

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.

Oh, and I did read somewhere that Elites can use this method as part of their 'active recovery'.

Slow ah that makes sense!

Yep, thenewaverage. Let us know what you think you look like in the shop windows on your next run.My DH said it looked like long distance running technique, when he came with me, if it's any consolation.

I notice that I do it naturally when I’m trying to preserve my knees, like running down hills, so it must be possible

Maybe check your shoes aren't hindering you. Some forms of cushioning encourages heel striking.

AtSea, I think this technique is more about endurance than pace although the article says elite runner's Niko Niko pace is faster as they are stronger.

I’m super blatantly placemarking.

I need to get back into running but I’m oh so injured after two pregnancies and births in two years.

question

Please can any of you point me in the right direction of a garmin/Fitbit/polar that’s under £100 that shows HR?

I’ve just started with vitality and they give discounts for devices their app can link to...

I've just got back from my first run. I bit the bullet and took the dogs to a quiet part of the forest. I ran for 28 minutes and felt quite good at the end.
I suppose it's the running action which is beneficial because I wasn't any quicker than walking.
I'm hoping to go again tomorrow.

That's great Surfing. Going walking pace is fine, it's what's recommended in the YouTube clip. Some beginners actually start slower than that from what I've read. Your body has to adapt to this activity, if you're not used to it.

Paul Hollywood I have a Fitbit Alta HR and I’m sure it was less than £100.

Surfing just watched this concerning increasing speed with no extra effort

And this:

All the techniques shown here I think fit in with the Niko Niko style running. So when you're ready to try them, I think it will be possible to increase speed if you want to.

I have the charge 2 and i’m sure it’s less than £100 now

This is really interesting. I used to run, years back but totally let it and myself go with having kids etc.

I struggle with c25k even, and get to week 3/4 and then find the jumps up too much, get disheartened and stop.

This looks gentler and might be less inclined to annoy my dodgy knee and hip....

MissMarples, yes, I think it is a lot gentler. I wouldn't even have contemplated running before seeing that clip. I had awful memories of wheezing my way through cross country at school decades ago. Although I wasn't even unfit at the time as I could happily cycle all day, I concluded I just could understand. My conclusion now is my technique cannot have been very efficient previously. Niko Niko is slow enough to really concentrate on good technique. I have found I feel like I am doing some exercise, I get hotter and sweat, but I don't feel out of breath.

I mean I concluded I just couldn't run not I concluded I just could understand. Predictive text fail.

I played team sports and was a gym bunny but have never been able to run. I need to build stamina, I realise I've been trying to go too fast and so have been scuppering my own efforts.

I too loathed cross country. Memories of hurting boobs (i am blessed of Nork, even if I am not huge everywhere else) and being forced to wear hideous athletics knickers by my all girls gulag school.

Funnily enough my one boob (left over from mastectomy) does not hurt doing this. I'm a DD/E cup so not tiny. With running Niko Niko at this level it is not really high impact. My feet don't make much noise at all when running like this either.

I would feel like an enormous prat doing that in a public place.