how do you stop heel striking when running?

Answer 1

Why do you want to do that and reverse the natural perfect motion of running ???

Of course, your body adjusts to the type of running you';re doing, but a natural run is heel strike, then roll thru, and toe-off. Messing with nature is not a great way to have an injury-free successful running career.

I would opt for making footfalls easier on your feet and body by striving for silence. I noticed many years ago that my feet made loud sounds like slapping every step. I finally equated that to the aches and soreness after runs. So what I did was NOT try to change the natural footfall, but to soften it and silence it as much as possible.

I believe this has helped a lot in preventing injury.

Good Luck

Answer 2

You shouldn't really tamper with your natural gate and bio-mechanics since your chances of getting injured increase when you start messing around with stuff like that. Plus, worrying about your form is the last thing you need to do. Worry about running more miles/workouts and getting stronger since that is the primary factor in dictating whether you will be fast or not.

However, the more you run, the more efficient your body will become through adaptation. As you run your body will create more and more neuron connections and thus make those muscle/nerve groups more efficient.

On a distance run most of us heel strike. While it is optimal to land mid-foot (like the elite athletes), most of us don't and that is fine. There is not much you can do about it, so don't stress over it.

In a race however, it is different. If you are in a sprinter then you would want to avoid heel striking at all costs because it will slow you down. The heel hitting the ground acts like a break and slows your turnover. You need to get on your toes or at worst your mid-foot for a sprint race. This tends to happen naturally (think about it) but if it doesn't you need to work on that.

Answer 3

Why do you need to stop heel striking? Is it injury related? Because unless you are a sprinter heel striking is perfectly natural. Some people strike their heels a lot harder then other but as long as you are fitted in the right shoes it shouldn't be an issue.

Unless you are on your toes for sprinting it really is 'normal' to heel strike. The majority of people will strike on the outside back of their heels and roll through the shoe to toe off with more pressure on thier big toe's. the reason it isn't a strait heel to toe action is that the foot 'pronates' naturally roles in slightly to absorb the impact of running. Like a built in shock absorber.

Changing your running gait is near impossible. It can be done but it takes years and years of hardcore training with a professional keeping tabs on you the whole way through. It probably really isn't required.

If it is injury related then look at a new pair of shoes tailored to your running style. Somethiung with really good rear foot cushioning possibly. Better yet go get an orthotic fitted. It can cost a bit but in the long run it pays itself of! You will not be injured as often.

In conclusion, Heel striking is natural. A good pair of shoes that suit your running gait should help. For more of a permenant solution head for your podiatrist and get orthotics fitted!

Answer 4

To stop heel striking you have to run like a ballet dancer or run really fast.

It's tough to keep up that kind of running for more than a half mile and I would definitely criticize anyone harshly for doing it longer than that. It will screw up your form and put an immense strain on your ligaments in your feet and lower legs.

If it's speed, like 100 meter, then it will come naturally. As you increase speed, you don't "fall" very much with each step, so there's not much impact each step and you can stay up on your toes.

And if you want speed, you have to prepare yourself with a base of running for a month at least before speed training.

Answer 5

Heel strike is pretty muchimpossible to avoid likeSamual said. Besides shoes and orthodics to help reduce it.. theres a couple extreme ways to fix that. One is, if you are a sprinter, you should sprint on your toes (as if you are dragging a heavy weight behind you). this is the basis for the next option. Pose running. This running requires you to land on the balls of your feet, and barely touch your heel to the ground. Its awkward at first, but It is proven that it helps as it uses your arch for natrual support(the way it should).

Those are the only tips I have for ya. But ask around and see what you learn!