Daizey 0 #1 February 28, 2004 I hate running, but since they took my pool away, ive decided to try it out....had been running on a treadmil up until this past week. Weather is finally getting warm in NY so ive been heading outside... Anyway...I noticed today that i tend to run on the front part of my foot...this is wrong right? Should my feet be hitting heal to toe? Ive noticed at points that im running on the balls of my feet and towards my toes.... Also....which is better? running on the road or on a grassy surface...i ran a mixture between the road and horse trails yesterday...and while in the horse trails my legs began to kill me....is it because im on an area thats not flat? Any other running advice would be greatly appreciated as well! Thanks *daizey* Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SarahC07 0 #2 February 28, 2004 Well, I run... when I feel up to it, that is... I would say your foot SHOULD be hitting the ground heel to toe... but I'm not an expert, that is just how I've always ran... I honestly can't imagine running any other way... I like to run outside... around sunset... along sidewalks... and with MUSIC... it keeps me energized.... Good luck to ya... Sarah Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
n23x 0 #3 February 28, 2004 Hey Daizey! The portion of foot you're using for contact while running is usually controlled by a couple of things (ankle/calf strength/balance). Having run 800's for track/cross country, I also tended to be a toe-runner. There is nothing wrong with this, and I've heard (though no specifics) that staying on the toes reduces impact wear to the knee. Personally, I've found it to to be a much more powerful stride than full-foot contact, though results may vary. .jim"Don't touch my fucking Easter eggs, I'll be back monday." ~JTFC Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Daizey 0 #4 February 28, 2004 Thanks! I think i run on that part of my foot due to gymnastics....i was always taught to run on the balls/toes because it was faster and easier when going to mount the aparatis...but i wasn't sure the effects of it with long distance.... my calfs are rather strong, but my ankes are fairly weak...i had them taped all the time during gymnastics...dont want to get into that with running though...i was hoping to strengthen a bit... *daizey* Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dagny 0 #5 February 28, 2004 I ran a lot before I injured my knee. You should check out www.runnersworld.com. I love that website and I still get the magazine...motivation to get fixed and running again. There are forums there, too, where you can search for past info or post and get some good advice. As for trail running, it's better on the joints than running on pavement. And it is more challenging, too. I prefer to run trails because I like the scenery. That, and I don't have to dodge cars or suck in exhaust as I run. Of course, convenience almost always dictatea that I run the sidewalk and streets around my apartment.Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JVig 0 #6 February 28, 2004 Heel to toe strike is correct. It is kind of like a plf for the foot. Also, any surface that gives is much better for your joints than the hard surface of the road. You and your knees will appreciate this later in life if you stick with running. You must be careful for uneven footage though, for obvious reasons. good luck.it is a great way to clear the mind.... -------------------------------------------------- Just remember.....if the world didn't suck, we'd all fall off. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
damion75 0 #7 February 28, 2004 Quote Anyway...I noticed today that i tend to run on the front part of my foot...this is wrong right? Should my feet be hitting heal to toe? Ive noticed at points that im running on the balls of my feet and towards my toes.... Also....which is better? running on the road or on a grassy surface...i ran a mixture between the road and horse trails yesterday...and while in the horse trails my legs began to kill me....is it because im on an area thats not flat? Everyone has their own opinion! A number of serious UK runners are starting to run on the balls of their feet because it is better shock absorption for your knees, and doesnt stretch your thighs out as much. It can also be faster - BUT... if your calves are not up to it it can damage them! I ran through the pain barrier doing this and nearly tore my right calf. That hurt!! so take it easy at first. A mixture of on and off road is best to work on different muscle groups and take you through different aerobic and anaeoribc stages. Works for me anyway! Frank. *************** Not one shred of evidence supports the theory that life is serious - look at the platypus. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pammi 0 #8 February 28, 2004 QuoteI ran a lot before I injured my knee. You should check out www.runnersworld.com. I love that website and I still get the magazine...motivation to get fixed and running again. There are forums there, too, where you can search for past info or post and get some good advice. That's a great page for advice! I'm still pretty new to running myself, and am just working into running outside rather then on a treadmill which I finally enjoy (I used to HATE to run) so it's harder. But the best advice I got over and over was the shoes. I don't know if you've gone to a place that sells shoes for runners in particular (I looked up a store near me on the page Dagny referred mentioned) but they were a TREMENDOUS help finding shoes that made running comfortable. He actually watched me walk and looked at how I stood, then suggested some shoes. I then walked on a treadmill there for a minute to see how they felt. It wasn't entirely comfortable at first because apparently I overpronate which I didn't think I did so it felt a little irritating having shoes correcting that, but now it feels great and it's so much nicer to run without any pain in my shins or feet. Pammi Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lee03 0 #9 February 28, 2004 I had no choice about running when I was in the Marine Corps, PT/running was demanded. I HATE running, but still do it. Run in grass, dirt, basically off of pavement, it isn't as hard on your ankles, knees, legs, etc. I always heard run heel toe, but I know of a book that an SAS officer has written that says you should run on the balls of you feel, I don't know, what ever works for you I guess. I HATE running!-------- To put your life in danger from time to time ... breeds a saneness in dealing with day-to-day trivialities. --Nevil Shute, Slide Rule Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
