I've enjoyed some success using my natural heel striking stride:
4:02 1500m and 15:09 5000m
I believe the jarring nature of my heel strike is causing me injuries, and preventing me from hard training.
I purposefully starting leaning forward as I've been running the last 2 days, as I feel it promotes a less jarring midfoot strike.
Has anyone ever tried doing this to change their form?
What are the potential problems with this method?
if its a heel tap/roll, then I wouldn't change your natural mechanics. even meb runs sort of like this.
if its just a hard landing on the heel every time, I wouldn't try leaning forward more. work on cadence and maybe lower the drop in your shoes (if you haven't already).
its hard to change, but don't do it unless its necessary.
I hate the idea of changing someone's natural stride. If you have run that well with that stride, you are doing something right.
I would not focus on leaning forward more. Try doing drills that get you up on your toes more. On your daily strides, try to land more on your toes.
About 10 years ago I did what you are proposing. I lean forward at the hips a bit and don't land too much on the heel anymore. Running is easier and more enjoyable, probably because my rate of injury dropped quite a bit. I also increased my cadence. n=1
I never really thought of it until I start getting injured frequently, but after review, I think it's a pretty exaggerated heelstrike.
I would say that the last two days, while leaning forward, I have upped my cadence a bit, without overstriding as much.
I realize I might be able to come up with answers to my own questions if I continue this attempt, but did want to know if there was anything I might expect, or a great reason to stop this attempt.
My next race is not until mid June.
I think it's worth a shot. As long as it doesn't feel too unnatural, you might see some benefits. I certainly don't think it will hurt you. But if it does start to hurt, just know to lay off it and not force yourself into this unusual running motion.
Thanks for the input.
I have consistently been battling injuries since the summer of 2009.
At first, worked to rehab, as I had previously been very healthy.
Didn't really work.
Then I rehabbed and worked harder to strengthen the often injured areas (exercise, barefoot work, different shoes).
Didn't really work.
For the last few years I have just ran through consistent pain, never being able to consistently top 40 mpw without having to take time off.
My forward lean really does seem to make a noticeable difference in my foot strike
Bump
Last time, thanks
Engage your hips and abs, that will get you up on your toes, don't lean from the waist.
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