I dont run much but anytime I try naturally to run on my front foot/toes before it become exhausting and I go back to heel running.
It seems running on toes is more efficient and less damaging for the bones. So time to change I guess.
It is a valid concern along with other possible maladies that might follow anewed use of muscles and structures atrophied from decades of misuse or disuse. I was very careful about starting toe-running, going at a very light pace for only 30 seconds each day to start. But it's also worth considering that I was about 37 years old at the time, and had been lifting weights for some years so was somewhat heavy for my frame. I don't really know what I could have done differently. Maybe done it outside on trails instead of an indoor track. Maybe then I would have developed a good feel for how to be truly light-footed instead of merely landing on forefoot.
Tangently related: When I was in my teenage years, I was a very avid skateboarder. After the first few years, my right foot (the one that I pushed with) would occasionally feel like there was a rip across the bottom of my foot. I primarily pushed with my toes, but I s tarted pushing by rolling my foot from heel to toe. When that 'rip' happened, I could barely push/walk and would have to push switch or else the pain was too much.
I used to be a heel-striker, but when my knees starting acting up I decided to try a minimalist shoe and change my running form. I bought Innov8's, 6mm heels to start last August in anticipation of a half marathon in early November. Knees felt great, but I tore a calf muscle, setting me back nearly 3 weeks. I tried gradual increases, but simply could not get my calves in shape in time, ended up running the half marathon with my old shoes. After the marathon, I began using the new stride again, and it has taken an incredibly long time to build up the different muscles used, but my knees are doing well. It's probably to each their own, but I do believe the mechanics of running on the balls of your feet offer something.
What do you do? didn't you once tell me you were trying to switch to heel to toe?
Hey ooli, and 45usp as a runners I thought you might enjoy watching this: http://hubski.com/pub?id=65866 any feedback is most welcome.
That was a nice listen! Better than a lot that I hear on NPR lately. Actually it's a coincidence that today was the first time in almost a year that I went for a run. After suffering plantar fasciitis then a ruptured lumbar disc, I'm happy to report that I'm in no more pain after the run that I was before it. And it's true: running stinks, it's boring and hard, but after I tough my way through it, I do feel that uplifting feeling (that they talk about around the 9 minute mark).
Glad that you have healed and are able to run again. That really was a coincidence, wasn't it?! That "uplifting feeling" is what keeps me coming back for more. Thank you for the kind words regarding the podcast/videocast. I really appreciate it.