Use Speed Workouts to Avoid Heel Strike

06/06/2015 Bretta Riches Forefoot Running Tips 603

When learning forefoot running, the worst thing you can do is intentionally run at a slower pace in attempt to avoid injury.

One of the best strategies to develop a consistent forefoot strike pattern is with speed workouts.

Why?

Use Speedworks to Avoid Heel Strike
Run Fast to Avoid Heel Strike When Barefoot

Use Speed Workouts to Avoid Heel Strike

Mounting evidence suggests that foot strike depends on speed whereby heel striking is strongly associated with slower running speeds and forefoot striking is strongly associated with faster running speeds.

In a 2015 study, Staurts et al. were surprised to find that most of the shod heel strike-runners who switched to barefoot running maintained a heel strike landing. However, the researchers observed that the shod runners initially ran significantly slower when adapting to barefoot running, which may explain the failure to switch from heel strike to forefoot strike.

Why Running Fast Equals Better Foot Strike Mechanics

Running faster allows for natural motor sequences to take place. This is because the faster you run during speed workouts, the faster the landing velocity of the foot and the smaller the foot strike angle –a smaller foot strike angle means the ankle is plantar flexed at touchdown, a perfect setup for a forefoot strike.

And, if you really want to improve your forefoot strike, than do speed workouts barefoot because the combination of high proprioception and faster running velocities makes you better-equipped to avoid heel strike.

More From Run Forefoot:

How Forefoot Running Prevents Injury

High Arched Runners Seek Injury Relief with Forefoot Running

More Economical Runners Tilt When They Run

How Forefoot Running Reduces Muscle Loading and Tension

Legs Help Reduce Shock in Forefoot Running

References:

Hatala, K. G., Dingwall, H. L., Wunderlich, R. E., & Richmond, B. G. (2013). Variation in foot strike patterns during running among habitually barefoot populations. Plos One, 8(1).

Lieberman, D. E., Venkadesan, M., Werbel, W. A., Daoud, A. I., D ’ Andrea, S., Davis, I. S., & Pitsiladis, Y. (2010). Foot strike patterns and collision forces in habitually barefoot versus shod runners. Nature, 463(7280), 531 – 535.

Strauts S., Vanicek, N and Halaki, M. Acute changes in kinematic and muscle activity patterns in habitually shod heel strikers while running barefoot. J Sports Sci, 2015. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2015.1034756

P.S. Don't forget to check out the Run Forefoot Facebook Page, it's a terrific place to ask questions about forefoot running, barefoot running and injury. I'm always happy to help!

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