I've heard from one of my teammates that running on a circular track in the same direction all the time creates an imbalance in the strength of your legs, since one is running a farther distance around the track all the time. This imbalance obviously can lead to a lot of injuries. Do any of you know if this is true or find it plausible? If it is true do you think people should alternate directions that they run aroudn the track?
2007-12-24 04:24:11 · 5 answers · asked by ? 2 in Sports ➔ Running
Yeah I've been running track for 4 years now, and haven't had a single problem with running the same direction. Like coach always says, for the track team, you only need to be good at running in one direction. I personally dont think it matters at all if you run the same direction, if it is possible for you to develop one leg more than the other, i would think that it would have to be over the length of a couple years. If youre that worried about it, why dont you just add 10lbs to your left leg when you lift? Or walk around with an ankle weight on all the time?
2007-12-24 05:48:40 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I doubt there is much chance of this causing an injury UNLESS you are running long distances on the track, in which case, YES, I'd recommend you reverse the direction for some workouts.
Likewise, reversing the direction should correct any imbalance problems too. HOWEVER, you must adhere to proper track etiquette when you run reverse on a track used by others. You must always run the reverse workouts at the far outside perimeter of the track so as not to interfere with runners doing traditional workouts.
2007-12-24 14:02:09 · answer #2 · answered by snvffy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are going to run long distance on a track you should change directions from time to time.
It is like always running on the same side of the street. You are going to develop some stress problems because the street is not flat, but has a crown or slope.
I am not sure about having different amounts of strength, but it bothers my hips and ankles if I run the same all of the time.
2007-12-24 05:13:12 · answer #3 · answered by lestermount 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are running on a small banked indoor type track this could be a problem,not unlike running along the beach. Running the opposite direction on a track may cause other runners and yourself problems. It is always a good idea to vary your workouts in any case.
2007-12-24 04:37:53 · answer #4 · answered by Ed R 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no that is silly, but if you are worried, run the opposite way half the time
2007-12-24 07:21:22 · answer #5 · answered by Stewie Griffin 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋