when you run

do you put your heel down? Or run on the ball of your foot?

Message edited 8/22/2008 8:58:14 PM.

Re: when you run

Heel down

Re: when you run

There should definitly be a heel strike in long distance running. Only sprints should be done on the ball of your foot.

Re: when you run

Heel down.

Re: when you run

heel down, like the PP mentioned, balls are for sprints and for hillwork.

Re: when you run

Bumping this because it's the only mention I could find... My boss is a triathalon runner (and a lovable know-it-all) and I mentioned that I'm almost at the point where I'm going to add jogging to my exercise routine.

He told me NOT to jog with my heel down. He called it a "heel strike" and said it's not good for your gait and puts unnecessary stress on your leg.

I used to suffer from shin splints, so it's important to me that I get my stride right so I don't develop bad behaviors.

Is my boss wrong? Is there anyplace you trust that I could read more about how to form a good stride? Thanks.

Re: when you run

I recently read "Born to Run" and while I have no intention of taking off my shoes when I run, it was interesting to read about the body mechanics that go into running and the tribes of barefoot runners.

It did point out that if not for the running sneakers we all have today, it would be impossible to run with our heels hitting first - there isn't enough cushioning. We can only do this because of the shoes we wear. The author (or someone he quoted) suggested taking off your shoes and running across the yard barefoot to see for yourself. It was very interesting.

I think we all have to find a gait that works for us though - biomechanically speaking - so I am not sure that there is any one right or wrong way.

But I am not at all an expert!!!

Re: when you run

ITA with Megan. Things are so different with sneakers. I was told to try to land between heel and midfoot.

Re: when you run

Thanks, maybe I'll see about getting that book too.

Whenever shin splints were brought up before, lots of people said to get the right shoes. He told me to go to either Runner's Edge in Farmingdale or Running Warehouse in Huntington to get some kind of testing on how I walk/run. That they'd recommend shoes based on the results. I think I'm going to do that.

Re: when you run

thanks for bumping. Since this post (where I was a heel striker) I have made a conscious effort to do more of a midfoot strike.

Re: when you run

I try to land on the middle/front of my foot rather than my heel. I end up with sciatica when I repeatedly land on my heels, and I feel like it slows me down as well. I find it more comfortable & easier to land closer to the front of my foot (especially if you lean forward slightly as you run).