I present to you the inaugural Fitness, Health and Happiness vlog! As I mention in the video this is the first in a vlog series showing my transition to natural running.
It isn’t easy to really see the details of my form in the video. 3 few things I consistently noticed about my running form are 1. my foot doesn’t land directly beneath me 2. I’m a serious heel striker and 3. My legs look like my knees are often locked. I’m going to put natural running to the test. I’m committing to 8 weeks to retrain myself to run.
Thank you to everyone that encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone and make this vlog.
Coming soon: an interview with a Newton Running Coach (not a video), strength and form drills, natural running form, Newton’s Gravity review and why I decided to try natural running.
Do you focus on your form when you”re running? Is there anything about your form that you think you could improve or should change? Do you have a YouTube channel? Leave your YouTube url in the comments so I can follow.
Tagged: #FFTech, #FitFluential, Fit Approach, fit gear, Girls Gone Sporty, natural running, Newton Running, running, Sweat Pink, training, vlog, What Fitfluential Looks Like, You Tube
I'm a wife, mom of 2, Swiftwick, FitFluential, Sweat Pink and Girls Gone Sporty Ambassador that is passionate about running, plant-based nutrition, fitness and an overall healthy lifestyle. Living a healthy life is not about perfection. It's about commitment, effort and progress! 
Ive not run in ages and am thinking about getting back to it.
to me for some reason minimus running feels like the way to go.
like building from the GROUND UP.
Miz recently posted..My tattoo stories.
Having done very little running in them so far based just on how the minimals feel I would have to agree. It’s amazing how you’re actually able to feel the ground and even more amazing is how your body naturally adjusts with each foot strike. Loving this stuff
jillconyers recently posted..Transitioning to Natural Running Part 1
I’ve been in Newtons for 5 years now and love them, alas I’ve never worked up to wearing them beyond half marathon distance. I think I need those super pretty blue ones! All the best with the transition!
Marcia recently posted..Let’s Talk Fitness Fashion
Thans Marcia. So you wear the Newton’s for runs less than a half only? Is limiting the distance recommended and do you wear a traditional running shoe for half or more? Thanks so much!
jillconyers recently posted..Transitioning to Natural Running Part 1
wonderful job with your vlog!! you did so well!! i think that so many people will really gain a ton of great info from you doing these!!! btw, i have the exact same pair of shoes!!! have a great day!
) spa <3
Thanks Jenna! I need a little more practice with the videos
How do you like the Gravity?
jillconyers recently posted..Transitioning to Natural Running Part 1
Such a great vlog!!!! I never think about form and I really should- I’m not a trained runner and I think that some tips about how to have good form could really help me. So thanks!! I’m on youtube at http://www.youtube.com/user/adoctorinthehouse
Andrea recently posted..Happiness Is Your Choice
Thanks Andrea. I need a little more practice with the vlogging
I hope the next few posts on form are helpful. I just subscribed to your YouTube.
jillconyers recently posted..Transitioning to Natural Running Part 1
I really need to take the time to analyze my running habits. Whenever I go on a long distance run, my shoulders hurt so I must be doing something wrong!
Becky @ Olives n Wine recently posted..Secret Ingredient Cinnamon Rolls
I’ve had the same thing happen to me. When they start to hurt I gauge tension by noticing how close my shoulders are to my ears. That sounds kind of strange but it’s surprising how often I realize my shoulders and arms are not relaxed when I’m running.
jillconyers recently posted..Transitioning to Natural Running Part 1
I do my best to be mindful of my posture while I run. My feet go all pigeon toed and I try really hard to keep ‘em straight. Also, I make sure I keep my posture straight with my shoulders back….I used to run all hunched over until my running buddy told me to run straight! Great advice!
Kierston recently posted..#CHARGE Your BODYtteries!
Hi Kierston. My right foot tends to turn inward especially when my legs get tired. I try to be mindful of it and focus on keeping it straight.
jillconyers recently posted..Transitioning to Natural Running Part 1
oooh! I love those shoes! I’m definitely a heel striker. In CrossFit my coach has tried to get me to change my form, and I’ve tried, but as soon as I stop concentrating on my form I go right back to heel striking.
Good luck with the 8 weeks of natural running. Can’t wait to see how it goes!
Ashley recently posted..How to stay MOTIVATED during the Holidays
The concentrating on form isn’t as easy as it sounds. I wonder how long it will take before I don’t have to concentrate to get the form right?
jillconyers recently posted..Transitioning to Natural Running Part 1
I started my natural running journey back in February and I also started with the Newtons. I LOVED THEM for many months but then the lugs started to bother me. Now I’m in a brooks pure flow and I am loving them. My only piece of advice is don’t get totally hung up with the Newtons if you start to get aches and pains. I was so stubborn about it and finally when I switched shoes I started to feel so much better!
Diana recently posted..Sunday Smiles Give Thanks
Oh no! Newton investment gone bad? Ugh! A friend recommended the Pure Flow but I just loved how the Newton’s felt. I tend to be stubborn too so I’ll keep what you said in mind. Thanks!
BTW, I think my comment on your blog went to spam.
jillconyers recently posted..Transitioning to Natural Running Part 1
I am interested in reading your review once you use them. I have been researching this type of shoe but haven’t taken the leap yet!
Fitness Girl Kitchen recently posted..weekend musings: trail running and spending time with my girl
It’s taken me forever to take the leap. I hope I made the right choice and it’s not a Newton investment gone bad!
jillconyers recently posted..Transitioning to Natural Running Part 1
I have no idea if my form is proper or not and I’m not sure how to find out. I don’t run with other people nor do I have friends (who live in my state) who are real runners that could tell me… Hmm…
Carrie @ Season It Already! recently posted..San Marzano Pasta – A Recipe
I think proper running form takes training and practice just like with any sport. I wonder if that is the case with all runners or if there are runners that are truly a natural?
jillconyers recently posted..Transitioning to Natural Running Part 1
I don’t do much outside running, mostly treadmill & I am not really a runner. It is part of my cardio. I definitely can’t do minimal running. I have BAD feet & no cushion in the balls of my feet so I am a Hoka OneOne running shoe lover. They saved my exercise life when my feet went bad. I think if I were more into running as “the thing” for me – meaning like doing races & it being the one love like weights are for me, I might work towards more of this.. I do pay attention to my form & arms & all that though!
Very interesting though – thank you!
Jody – Fit at 54 recently posted..Gratitude Monday & Huge Thx!!!
Hi Jody. I don’t know much about Hokas except that there are runners in my husband’s trail running group that love them. I think I need to google out of curiosity.
jillconyers recently posted..Transitioning to Natural Running Part 1
Keep the tips coming! I do need to focus on form or I get tired quicker because I’m all over the place.
I love the shoes! So colorful and fun.
Carli recently posted..Add Your Latest Pins to Your Blogger Sidebar
Hi Carli. You’re right, It’s exhausting when we run with less than great form. I’m still trying to get accustomed to the bright color
jillconyers recently posted..Transitioning to Natural Running Part 1
Jill; great first blog! I’m really curious to watch your journey towards natural running. Until last year, when I started yoga, I couldn’t go barefoot EVER. Even in the house, my feet just feel happier and safer in shoes. Of course, going barefoot is the way strengthen your foot to go barefoot…
P.S. Love how your shoes matched your jacket!
Hi Tamara. I’m still leaning toward my feet being happier in shoes! We’ll see how the barefoot part of training goes
jillconyers recently posted..Transitioning to Natural Running Part 1
You did a great job with your vlog, Jill! This will be such an interesting series… I’d like to move in this direction too, although not while marathon training. I look forward to hearing more!
Laura recently posted..An Unconventional Marathon Training Plan
Hi Laura. I waited until after my last half marathon and before I started training for a spring 50K next year. Hopefully the timing will work out.
jillconyers recently posted..Transitioning to Natural Running Part 1
Love that you’re sharing the whole journey with it. I can’t wait to follow along.
Tina @ Best Body Fitness recently posted..#RnRNOLA Training: Week 2
Thanks Tina!
jillconyers recently posted..Transitioning to Natural Running Part 1
Ya know I buy in. I have worked really hard on my form and it has paid off. It’s not quick or easy to do, but worthwhile. That said, I think it’s something that can be continually improved. I have gotten away from working on it of late and so post marathon in a couple of weeks, I plan to start putting some barefoot miles back into my routine.
http://www.youtube.com/user/MissZippyTV?feature=guide
misszippy recently posted..What I’ve learned from glycogen depletion runs
You probably don’t realize that our short conversation during the shake out run at RW is what convinced me to stop thinking about trying natural running and just do it. In 8 weeks I’ll know whether or not to thank you
The barefoot part of the transition training starts next week. I know from the form clinic I attended I have terribly tender feet but I won’t let a little thing like grimacing every time my bare foot hits the ground stop me.
jillconyers recently posted..Transitioning to Natural Running Part 1
Love the colorful shoes! Great video too! I’ll have to tape myself running, I bet I could learn a few things about my form and exercises I should do to correct my imbalances! Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Lisa {smart food and fit} recently posted..You Win Some, You Lose Some! {Lia Sophia Giveaway}
My videoing of the run didn’t quite turn out like I planned (so much to learn) but I have watched it repeatedly to study my form and it’s helped with keeping areas I need to improve in the forefront of my mind when I run.
jillconyers recently posted..Transitioning to Natural Running Part 1
LOVE the vlog!!! Great way to keep track of your progress. I played a little bit with my virbrams and really feel that I run differently in them. I think it is due to the fact that I can actually feel how I land and my body automatically adjusts, since it doesn’t have the cushioning around. Can’t wait for the next video!
Christine recently posted..My trip to Germany and Feeling Off
Hi Christine! How well you actually feel the ground and adjust was one of the things I noticed immediately and am still surprised by. The science and research behind all of this fascinates me.
jillconyers recently posted..Transitioning to Natural Running Part 1
[...] on a beautiful day. This week I started the form drills and short runs in the Newton Gravity for transitioning to natural running and my calves were tight and extremely sore. I was a little worried at first but after a mile or [...]
[...] week is the second week of transitioning to natural running with the ever so bright and colorful Newton Running Gravity. With every run I’m more and more [...]
[...] Transition To Natural Running Part 1 [...]
[...] Transition To Natural Running Part 1 [...]