Posts: 109
6/1/11 6:26 A

I actually did a research project on natural motion and learned a lot about foot strike...so feel free to message me with any questions you might have.

If you can, landing on your forefoot is optimal when running. When you land on your heel, you are effectively bringing your forward momentum to a stop and causing your joints to work harder to absorb the shock of your body weight. When landing on your forefoot in shoes that allow your foot to move naturally, your arches act as springs, propelling you into your next step and helping to absorb the shock.

The physics of the two footstrikes are also different. Landing on your heel directs the forces to your knee joint while landing on your forefoot directs them to your hip, which is a larger joint that is better equipped to handle the huge impact forces of running.

I'm in the barefoot/minimalist running camp and have found I tire less quickly and have less pain and soreness when running with a forefoot strike. My minimal running shoes encouraged the transition as their lack of padding made it painful if I was slamming my heels onto the concrete.

If you do decide to make a change, transition slowly and give your body time to adjust to your new running style.

current weight: 153.0

157 149 141 133

125

Posts: 2,084
5/30/11 9:18 P

I've heard about forefoot strike and midfoot strike in my research of barefoot/minimalist running. Many people experience injuries when switching to barefoot running - anti-barefooters say it is due to lack of a suppportive shoe while pro-barefooters say it is due too not giving your foot muscles enough time to recover from the new workout which uses different groups of muscles.
I know your weren't talking about barefoot running but it makes sense that if you are changing your form you will need to take time to let your feet and legs recoup because you are using new muscles, just like with strength training.

current weight: 150.0

155 147.5 140 132.5

125

SparkPoints: (14,035)
Fitness Minutes: (5,335)
Posts: 718
5/30/11 7:26 P

I'm a nerd and can't do anything without researching it first. I was googling proper form and techniques for running and came across several videos about forefoot running. It does look better than banging your heel against the ground or treadmill. Has anyone heard of this technique? Do you believe it is the best running form? If not what is? I'm trying to make it through this training without injury.

Pounds lost: 8.0

0 38.75 77.5 116.25

155