Running technique/foot placement

[chickentrousers]

I have read a few conflicting articles on correct techniques. Some say it should be heel to toe while others say forefoot running is better. Keen to hear what you guys actually do or if you have any views on this.

[Greg_M Graduate]

I try both from time to time and can't decide really. I suspect it might be one of those "whatever works for you" moments where there is no right or wrong. The discussions do get quite emotional sometimes in some of the articles

I got into trying it out because I had chronically weak shins and mid / fore foot running is supposed to be better for that but then again it seems to require better calf and foot strength so you can't just go with it.

I try to be more mid-foot landing now I have worked on my calf strength a bit but I am sure when I tire I revert back to heel/toe until I start concentrating again. That works quite nicely for me once I was used to leaning forward a bit more whilst running.

I don't think I am ready to give up my nicely cushioned running shoes for those minimal "bare footers" either! That's a comfort blanket removal too far right now.

Not sure any of that helps mind you! This was supposed to be an easy sport, no complications just run, but no........apprently not..........

[chickentrousers Graduate]

Thanks for that. Yeh, I don't want to complicate it either. My concern is that I never feel my running has any effect in my calf muscles, either during or after the runs ( I have just finished week 7). I am keen to tone up my thigh AND calf muscles through running and if I can maximise this by the correct technique I'm keen to do it.

[didntrunthat Graduate]

I'm unsure of how much of a difference your foot landing would make to the tone of your leg muscles.

Week 7 is still early days overall - what do you find you do naturally?

I tend to land mid foot naturally and feel more comfortable pushing this forward to landing towards the front of my foot if I can, but only if I'm not too busy concentrating on something else!

I have quite toned calf muscles - even before I started running (can't say much for my thighs though) that sometimes get a 'wow!' from my friends but I don't really know what to put it down to. I did A LOT of sport many years ago that I had to give up and before C25K I did nothing for over 3 years due to a chronic illness apart from a lot of walking. Maybe the walking helped? Anywho as far as I'm aware heel strike will have no impact of the tone of your leg muscles, but with time and patience the running will start to take affect?

[chickentrousers Graduate in reply to didntrunthat]

Thanks. I'm happy to keep going and hopefully get better looking legs! I think i'm hoping for too much too soon. I do tend to fall midfoot but have tried to do heel-toe since Laura suggested it. I'll see how I go tomorrow when I'm running again.

[chickentrousers Graduate in reply to chickentrousers]

I keep getting my weeks mixed up! I'm finished week 6 not 7. Think I'm going mad!!!!!!!!!