Right Running Technique

by Himja
(India)

I have started using your Beginner Running Program 3 and I have this question about my running technique. I have never run before.
I read on many running sites that the right way to run is that your heel should touch the ground first and then the ball of your feet, but when I run what comes to me naturally is the ball of my feet touches the ground first.

When I consciously try to run with my heels hitting the ground, my legs just don't move, I get all sorts pain, in my ankle, knees and calfs.

So is it ok if I continue running with the ball of my feet hitting the ground first?

Himja

Answer by Dominique:

Hi Himja,
Thank you for your running training question.
I am a "heel striker" like the majority of runners. You are not, you land on the ball of your foot first.

There is a strong debate about what type of running is best for you. I don't want to claim to be an expert on the subject. I think the truth is probably somewhere in the middle and that we should do what comes naturally to us.

Have you ever heard of the Pose Technique?
It is a running technique with which you land on the ball of your foot first!

I am not sure about whether to recommend it for people who are natural heel strikers, but if your natural way of running is landing on the ball of your foot then this would be your running technique.

There are some interesting books out on the Pose Technique, e.g. the Pose Method of Running and the Pose Method of Running Companion Drill Book. They teach you about why this type of running is better and the types of exercises you can do to learn this technique.

Like I said, I would not immediately advocate changing your running style to become a "ball of foot"-runner or to become a "heel striker", although the purists definitely have their opinion that one way is better than the other.

Rest assured that there are more people like you and that there is even a school of thought which is adamant that your way of running is the only right way!

Hope this helps.
Best of luck with Beginners Running Program 3.