Running Technique Help

[Oryxx]

I'm currently on Week 6 and there was a tip for land on your heel, from Laura. Is this right? Lots of websites contradict this!! Infact, the NHS web-site sectioned "Running Tips" says to aim for a mid-foot strike! Thanks

[eveshamgal Graduate]

That is weird because in an earlier week I'm sure she says to make sure the middle of your foot hits the ground first??

[Oryxx Graduate in reply to eveshamgal]

This is why I'm confused!!! I was probably in another world knowing me, but I may just do as I did (middle of foot) and see what happens!

[sofaqueen Graduate]

Hi Oryxx, Laura in Week 2 definitely tells us to strike the ground with our heel but a few weeks later when I was looking at the NHS website it said to hit the ground with the middle of your foot. Completely confused, I asked the question on here and basically everyone said do what feels right for you and that the podcasts were recorded when heel striking was recommended but experts think differently now. So I've stopped worrying about trying to heel strike and just do what feels comfortable, which I think is a mid foot landing.

[Marlyclay]

I have to say that landing heel first is working for me! I had terrible problems with plantar fasciitis a year ago ......took ages to get better. I was really worried about it coming back when I started this running malarkey . But so far so good,no problems and when I had my gait analysed recently I was told that I landed very neutral ...whatever that means?

[getalifechuck Graduate]

I had followed the tip which Laura mentions to prevent impact to joints and limbs landing on your heal. However recently I had explained this practice to an astute runner who also worked as a sports sale's person. He had informed me that If you run directly onto your heals first, then the impact would be more greater on the leg and hip bones, to create strain on support leg muscles, joints ankles, hips and knees, plus back injuries and ligament tears. If your footing lands correctly below ball of foot and middle, the impact goes into the muscles and not the bone structure. This can be improved if you invest in a running shoes that have more give ie more Gel in the soles of the trainers especially in the middle of the running shoe. They may cost more however they will give you the best support and less injury for your running needs.