tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6370694228518207700.post4887424077708193077..comments2016-07-25T11:15:26.839+01:00Comments on One Foot in Front of the Other: The Obligatory "Why I Run" BlogSam Robsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14568965712756700275noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6370694228518207700.post-10198639596856180232015-09-10T17:48:28.655+01:002015-09-10T17:48:28.655+01:00Wonderful article! Wonderful article! Jean Dahlquisthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12215401811896698630noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6370694228518207700.post-79026358233243641762014-03-17T11:56:50.314+00:002014-03-17T11:56:50.314+00:00There is certainly evidence to suggest that, but t...There is certainly evidence to suggest that, but there is evidence to suggest the contrary as well. I have read some of the research and I'm not personally sold. The studies are all a little bit "open to interpretation". I think that it is probably true that running on your forefoot is better for your knees, but as you say I think that it just shifts things elsewhere. My own feelings (and again, I'm no expert - just my 2 cents) is that running should be effortless and as simple as possible. If you're fighting against your natural gait and having to think about every step, it just seems wrong to me. I think that I am in a position now where I don't think about form when I'm running, and just let things happen naturally. It seems to work for me, but I certainly had a few issues when I started out (mainly ITB issues), mostly due to trying to run on my heel because at the time that was what I was told to do.Sam Robsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14568965712756700275noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6370694228518207700.post-43832585567647619812014-03-16T11:45:00.142+00:002014-03-16T11:45:00.142+00:00I was under the impression that heel strikers get ...I was under the impression that heel strikers get more injuries, but perhaps that's not right and, as you say, the injuries just shift elsewhere. It certainly isn't coming easily so maybe I'll just stick to being a heel striker. Do you think about form at all when you run? Or does it all happen naturally?retire in good hearthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09652080023245208719noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6370694228518207700.post-85669207442559578182014-03-16T09:18:43.615+00:002014-03-16T09:18:43.615+00:00To be honest, I didn't really do anything - it...To be honest, I didn't really do anything - it just seems to be how I naturally run. It is a bit like running on tip-toes, but not quite so extreme. I land on the forefoot and rocker foreword to push off of the toes. However, I am personally of the opinion that nobody should change their natural gait unless they feel that it isn't working for them. I am not sold on the idea that running on the forefoot is "better" than heel striking. It is probably better in some ways (e.g. less force goes through the knees), but worse in others (more potential issues with tendons). I never switched intentionally, I just noticed one day that I was doing it and didn't fight it. Don't for one minute take my advice (I am in no way an expert), but if it doesn't feel right for you I would suggest sticking to what does feel right. Was there a reason that you were looking to switch?Sam Robsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14568965712756700275noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6370694228518207700.post-47752102660253588162014-03-15T21:55:16.052+00:002014-03-15T21:55:16.052+00:00Excellent piece, Sam. I'm just starting out as...Excellent piece, Sam. I'm just starting out as a runner, I did my first ultra last month. I'd be really interested how you made the transition from heel striker to fore-foot striker. I can't seen to manage it. Is it essentially running on tip-toes?retire in good hearthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09652080023245208719noreply@blogger.com