Running form

Can you summarize the video? I don't want to spend 2 minutes watching it.

He's placing the balls of the foot down first before his heel (while barefoot). I think I run heel first, but I honestly have never thought of this before and I will have to see what I do tomorrow morning.

I think this is specific to running barefoot (maybe because of shock absorption?). Does not make much sense to land on the balls of your feet in a shoe See this article for a more widely accepted theory of running form: http://www.runnersworld.com/article/...8210-0,00.html

I just asked my boss about it who runs/bikes a lot and he says he does the ball first thing on occasion. According to him, it gives your calfs an excellent workout.

Okay I was 90% sure that's what this video was about.

In terms of track and field, historically sprinters stay on the balls of their feet, long distance strike heel first, and certain light-footed long distance runners struck forefoot first. Now people are saying everyone should strike forefoot first.

Personally, I don't think it's as revolutionary as people or Nike are trying to make it out to be.

The best evidence is in world-class runners. If forefoot striking was indeed more efficient or faster, marathoners and 10kers would have certainly all adopted it within the last 4 years and broken a bunch of records. The simple fact is that most long-distance runners still strike heel first even though they are running 4:45 miles or faster. Yes, many world-class runners strike forefoot first, but this proportion has not changed dramatically in 50 years, there were always efficient runners like this. Track records are broken at a glacial pace compared to a sport like swimming, where new technology and technique is adopted instantly.

Eh what am I trying to say, I dont even know. I just don't think forefoot striking will be revolutionary. Because we would have seen some real results by now if it was. You want to strike forefoot first? Go for it, you probably won't get injured due to it, so if you like it, use it. But it's like debating, is it faster if I take longer slower steps or smaller faster ones? It doesn't matter, whatever works better for you.

There is no one correct way to run. If you're not getting any knee pain, keep running the way you're running. If your knees are killing you, try the method above. It will alleviate some of the impact on your knees, at the expense of your achilles / calves. Do a google search for the POSE method of running, there has been a lot written on mid-foot striking.

^ I agree. Everyone has there own style of running. Some are forefoot strikers, most are not. Even some of the elite runners have very awkward strides when you look at them run but it works for them. Generally, a turnover of 180-190 cadence is more efficient. Running isn't golf.

I took a 4-5 year break from running (aka college) because gym was not a required course but mainly because it hurt my legs/knees/shins and I was able to stay in shape with weightlifting. When i did run in HS, I struck heel first, the same way I've been doing since I was a child. About 2 years ago I read an article in GQ or Men's Health (can't remember which) that describes the method of landing on the forefoot first and only while running. I tried this and to my surprise, NO knee pain, no shin splints, just an incredible burn in my calves that leaves me pretty sore for a day or two, but in a good way. Now I buy the Nike Free shoes with minimal support and do my best to only land on my forefoot when I run, if I start striking the ground with my heel, I know I am getting tired and I stop running at that point.

This new way of running took some getting used to, it was probably easier for me since it was several years since I ran for exercise before trying the new method. However it definitely suits my body better and if your current way of running is hurting your legs, I would recommend trying this new method. Good luck.

Looks a lot like POSE - I tried POSE for a while (lean forward, land on forefoot, flick heel back, rapid turnover). It's effective but over time I got a dull ache that my podiatrist thought might be stress-related. I revered to heel-first and the pain went away. But once you get over the calf burn you can roll through the miles. A few years back I had read that the triathletes were all trying this. Not sure whether they've stuck with it though.

How were you taught to run?

There is a lot of bad advice on this one, mainly running on the heels. A heel strike is indicative that you are out in front of your bodies center of gravity and is very inefficient. The best long distance runners land on mid foot to the balls of their feet historically. You can greatly compensate for not having phenomenal genetic conditioning by having above average form. - To answer Thomas's question, yes triathletes are still big proponents of the forward foot strike. If you are going to transition do it SLOWLY as you can cause injuries and gradually work drills into your runs.

Wow... to me, it is hard to land on the heels first.