W6R3

[Karambah]

Just made it

Equal effort not equal speed has become my mantra. Still finding it hard. Leg stretching afterwards helps. My slow pace plod (not run) has my foot always landing flat, not lightly on the heel as I have heard recommended. If I up the pace to land on my heel, then I tire faster. Which to do?

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Well done.

Please do not try to land on your heel...........apart from the C25K app, the received wisdom about footfall across the running world is to try to avoid heelstrike, as it causes more impact stresses than any other footfall. This is covered in the guide to the plan healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Footfall should be under your body, not out in front and your pace should be one at which you can speak aloud clear ungasping sentences as you run.

[Karambah Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Gottit Iannoda. I had early on read your piece on footfall, but a very timely reminder. Thx

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

Foot landing flat is perfect.

Agree with IannodaTruffe ... do NOT try and heel strike.

[Frenc Graduate]

Well done on completing W6R3! Your natural footfall has benefitted you for six weeks, so I wouldn’t look to change it. Good luck for week 7 👍😀.

[Karambah Graduate in reply to Frenc]

Agree. Thanks

[Rennur Graduate]

If it works for you carry on, especially as you haven't said you have got an injury. Heel strike can cause injuries. No running style will prevent injuries altogether but C25K definitely does not recommend heel striking. If you take it easy and don't try to do too much too soon after graduation (yes you will graduate) you should be fine. There is a welter of information on the web about heel strike vs mid- or front foot strike and most of it is confusing. Best to avoid reading it for now!

[Karambah Graduate in reply to Rennur]

Thanks Rennur. Running (plodding) is still new and foreign to me, so these good advice really welcome.