Correcting my running technique?

Question

I recently found out that I had been running badly for a long time; My heels often hit the ground before the front of the foot. However, when I make a conscious effort to correct it, I find it very hard to run and it feels unnatural. I also seem to run much slower. What are some tips to help me correct my running technique?

Answer 1

There are different running techniques for different runners.

Sprinters: Tend to run on their toes. Its faster. Thats why with sprinter shoes there are spikes in the front on the shoe. Those spikes help with tracking and pulling on the ground, so we can push our step when running creating a faster sprint. Running on the toes gives more speed, but is only for short distances, a distance runner would not run on their toes for a long duration.

Distant runners: Tend to run heel to toe, in full foot motions, what changes in the length of stride. the longer the stride, the more distance you can cover whether your pace is fast or slow, the faster you run the shorter the stride tends to get. For distand runner shoes, there is more padding on the heal, as well ask spikes. Def you do not want to run on your heels alone, but you want to be able to flex the whole foot.

There are different shoes for different runners. Talk to a sales rep when your shopping for shoes, as well as talk to a track coach if your running for school. Or you can talk to anyone who specializes in running or teaching runners.

Answer 2

The most common reason for striking the ground with your heel is because you are taking too long a stride.

If you are sprinting the foot should contact the ground only slightly in front with the foot coming rearward at the speed  you are moving forward, in a pawing motion striking the ground with the ball of your foot.

If you are running middle distance or distance running, then the foot should contact the ground mostly flat footed.

It is not too far in front because when the foot is in front of you then you are actually slowing down until the foot passes behind you and you push off.

Relax, concentrate on lengthening the stride behind you, not in front.

Speed is the combination of stride length, and the number of strides you take.

If the stride is too long then the number of strides you can take is less, and if the stride is too short you take lots of steps but do not cover as much distance.

You need to find your optimum turn over rate and stride length, by practicing.