running

[Chris05]

when running or jogging what is the proper way for your foot to touch the ground.

[Meguro]

Avoid pounding the pavement with your heels. Try landing softly on the front part of your foot rather than the rear.

[orion82698]

It's hard to say. I run with my heals landing first because that's a softer landing for me. I know this is not what should be done, but if I run other ways, I get lower back pain. I'm reverting back to my elliptical for the rest of the winter. There almost no impact on these babies, and they're a full body workout!

[Chris05]

Orion you mean the ball of the foot?

[orion82698]

Orion you mean the ball of the foot?

yup

[Aodhan]

Avoid pounding the pavement with your heels. Try landing softly on the front part of your foot rather than the rear.

You should only land on the balls of your feet if you are sprinting.

A proper running gait will land somewhere on the heel, and "roll" towards the front of the foot. If you feel a jarring in your stride, you are either overstriding (Too long of a stride) or are landing flat footed.

As far as how to land, that is individual to everyone, and can be aided by the correct footwear. Go to a good running store (Find out from your high school x-country team if you can where they go) and have the people there evaluate your stride. They can recommend shoes based on whether you pronate, supinate, etc.

Aodhan

[Meguro]

You should only land on the balls of your feet if you are sprinting.

A proper running gait will land somewhere on the heel, and "roll" towards the front of the foot. If you feel a jarring in your stride, you are either overstriding (Too long of a stride) or are landing flat footed.

Landing on the heel is facilitated by cushy running shoes. According to some biomechanic stuff I ran across on the net (sorry for the pun), the present human form did not evolve (if you subscribe to evolution) with the latest technology from Nike or Reebok in mind. The physiology of the lower leg, including calf muscles, arched foot, etc. were intended to aborb the shock of landing and spring the leg forward for the next stride. Landing on the heel and rolling forward cancels this out and makes for a less efficient stride.

Muay Thai boxers, I've heard, do their daily runs on the balls of their feet. Supposedly, it's what gives them powerful calves and great kicking strength.

Personally, I land on my heel and roll forward, just as you say. I've ran many miles and a marathon this way, but it never feels right, especially in my knees. Lately, I've given up running altogether and instead skip rope, which as you know is done all on the balls of your feet. I've also been using a rowing ergometer, which is great for getting your heart rate way up and burning your quads, abs, back and arms. If I do get back to running, I'll be running on the balls of my feet.

[orion82698]

Avoid pounding the pavement with your heels. Try landing softly on the front part of your foot rather than the rear.

A proper running gait will land somewhere on the heel, and "roll" towards the front of the foot.

This is how I run

[Red J]

Avoid pounding the pavement with your heels. Try landing softly on the front part of your foot rather than the rear.

A proper running gait will land somewhere on the heel, and "roll" towards the front of the foot.

This is how I run

Same here. I don't know anyone who runs long distances on the balls of their feet. Most land on the heel or midfoot and roll towards the toe for push off.

[DragonMike]

Exactly, I run heel to toe as well.