Middle distance running heels or toes?

Question

So I run the mile and 800m for middle school track. I've read a lot about running heels vs. toes. I tend to run mostly striking with my heel and rolling to my toes but, when I was watching the Olympics, it looks like most of the runners are running toes. I tried this out but it puts strain on my calves and feels weird (though running barefoot I have no problem running toes). So, my question is:

Do I strike with my toes or my heels on the mile/800m?

Answer 1

The topic of how to land on when you're running has been brought up many many times. Not only through my high school days, but also now, as a coach for a high school team.

The answer is: There is no right/wrong way to land.

It's how ever you feel most natural and most comfortable. No one in the world has the same foot, foot structure...etc, so not everyone will have the same landing.

Ther perfect example is a set of twins on my team. They are both in 11th grade and one has a 4:23 mile while the other also has a 4:23 mile. The funny thing is, one lands on the balls of their feet and one lands the their heel.

So that shows the most natural way you land is the way you should.

But anyway, if you feel most natural running on the balls of your feet, you should land not on the toes, but the tendon right behind the toes. Then you kind of rock back a little to your mid-foot and then take off. Your heel doesn't really even touch the ground.

If landing heel is the most comfortable, you should be landing on your heels and than naturally going onto your toes.

Answer 2

Yes I agree with the Coach.

From my experience when I started running at 15 I ran a lot on my heals. It was not until I get stronger and fitter, in my 20's that I raced a lot more on my toes. Now in my 40's I am back on my heals as I am not doing much running now.

The shorter the event the more you are on your toes. The 10000m male winner at the Olympics ran 53 sec for his last 400m in the 5000m run and was on his toes. These guys are fast so tend to be on there toes.

Strength, speed and age all come into it.

Answer 3

Well for lower levels, striking with the heel would be sufficient. Use your toes for the last 100 or so if you have enough left in you.

Answer 4

You see, the problem with running on your toes is if you are not running a smmoth fast leg you may start to scuff your toes which then undoes all momentum while running heel toe is generally the accepted form for most high school middle to long distance runners until the kick.

Answer 5

For the 800 and below I run on my toes and everything above from heel to toe. Running on my toes got my 800 time from 2:18 to 2:13. just from running on my toes. The first time in gave my feet blisters and the skin off my toes started peeling but after that the skin gets tougher and running on my toes got alot easier. I also perfer toes because once I start with heels I can't come up with the energy at the end to get on my toes and kick.