Best place to land

[Core16]

When on a run in week 6 Michael Johnson said to try to land with More weight on the heal, I have just had a quick look on the net about this and there seems to be a lot of different options on toe, sole or heal strikes. Any thoughts

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Try them all and do what suits. Heal strikes don’t suit everyone... I tend to like to stay on my toes, but concentrating on sole and kissing the floor while I get my fitness back.

[AnnieW55]

Generally landing mid-front of foot is better for you. Over striding and heel striking especially if they happen together can cause damage to tendons/ muscle/bone. However, if you are a natural heel striker then usual advice is to carry on as that’s how your body works. The breathing advice is also a mute point. If the advice doesn’t suit you don’t worry I think most of us are mouth breathers only. The breathing seems to sort itself out around week 5 ish.

I thought that advice had been updated or taken out of the updated app, obviously wrong.

[Equi-geek Graduate]

I agree - I think mid-foot or even ball of the foot is the recommended landing point now. Pro’s and con’s depending on whether you have weak gluteal or quads and don’t be afraid to experiment

[sparkyjohn Graduate]

Great question. I'm a natural heel striker I think, although as a sprinter at school I would land on the balls of my feet. I tried, last time out, to concentrate on landing more on the balls of my feet and ended up with a blister. However, this may have been caused by running for a full 20 minutes, or more likely by wearing cheap socks that claim to be padded but aren't. I don't understand where exactly the "middle" of the foot is. If it's not the ball or the heel, then it's the arch which it obviously can't be? Tomorrow It's run1 week 6 and my plan is to do what feels natural and see what happens. Any advice will be gratefully received.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Just run how you run and how it feels right for you... if you try to alter your running style it can prove tricky..