Question about running.

[Bendigo]

When running, what is the proper foot position in order to minimize stress on the joints. Do you roll from the heel to to the toe as in a typical walking stride, or do you run on the balls of your feet?? Also, would any of these methods help reduce foot pain--specifically in the arch of the foot?? Thanks.

[JF91]

I think from what your saying your having the same problem as me..

Does the arch of your foot start to really ache and get sore to the point that you cannot run any further when you street-run for a good way. If you did then I had that and also felt it was because I was running incorrectly.

By the way, NEVER run a long way on the balls of your feet, you'll put loads of pressure on your calfs and will get further problems developing around that area, run the same way your running now but I recommend getting some really well-fitting shoes and some that are made specifically for street running because if your feet are new to it then they will suffer if your using some normal trainers.

Hope that helps.

[Feint]

...but I recommend getting some really well-fitting shoes and some that are made specifically for street running because if your feet are new to it then they will suffer if your using some normal trainer...

This is great advice. Don't worry so much about how you are running. If you get a good pair of running shoes from a running store (will cost about 50-90 dollars) it will ease the stress on your joints. If you are running in any other type of shoe you are asking for trouble.

[Bendigo]

Thanks for the help guys. I've been running for a couple of years now, and the problem has only crept up recently. But, I'll definitely look into new shoes.

[meanmoe]

You need to change every 500 miles or so.

[mightymouse2k]

Theres a shoe manufacturer called "MBT" that specialise in making running shoes that should solve your problem. I got a pair last year and although they take some getting used to, i've found them to be quite beneficial.

[potatoes]

Proper footwear is very important especially if you are running on a hard surface like pavement. Good runners aren't cheap but they are a necessity. Once you solve that problem then you have to improve your gait. Without a running coach this will take some effort. Learning the most efficient way to run will help you conserve energy and actually go faster. One common mistake that you will often see is people swaying from side to side as they run. This is not only inefficent it is potentially dangerous as it muliplies the the force of impact as the feet strike the pavement. The list of inefficient and harmful habits people adopt when they run is as long as your arm. Like any bad habit, you should get rid of it.

[jberg]

i think the main trick is dont lift your feet too high
if you want to do long distance you have to conserve energy, and itll be lighter on your feet

[Rob Pilger]

Running is very hard on our joints, there's no getting past that. The late Dr. Mel Siff cites research that states running elicits 5-7 times of our bodyweight of force on our joints when we run. That's why research proves that 1 out of 3 runners is injured. Keeping your weak ares strong will prevent injury along with proper running mechanics.

For proper running stride info go to charliefrancis.com he's the king of speed and running technique.

Good luck.

Rob Pilger
www.boxingperformance.com