In this episode of The Running Explained Podcast, Dr. Matt Minard of Learn2Run discusses the topic of foot strike in running. He explains the different types of foot strikes and clarifies misconceptions around heel striking. Dr. Minard emphasizes the importance of body lean and how it affects foot strike. He also addresses the controversy around barefoot running and provides insights into when it may be appropriate to consider changing foot strike. Additionally, he discusses cues for running form and the significance of vertical oscillation in running mechanics. In this conversation, Matt discusses the importance of mastering the skill of running slowly and the benefits it can have on running mechanics. He explains that running slower requires patience and a focus on base gliding, which involves landing, allowing the body to move forward over the planted foot, and pushing back. Matt emphasizes that running slower is not about changing mechanics, but about exerting less effort and minimizing force. He also addresses the impact of foot issues on foot strike and propulsion, as well as the role of surface density in running mechanics. Overall, the key takeaways include the importance of running slowly on easy days, the need to focus on base gliding and leaning, and the understanding that foot strike is influenced by individual anatomy and should not be the primary focus of running mechanics.
Takeaways
Mastering the skill of running slowly is important for improving running mechanics.
Running slower requires patience and a focus on base gliding, which involves landing, allowing the body to move forward over the planted foot, and pushing back.
Running slower is not about changing mechanics, but about exerting less effort and minimizing force.
Foot issues can affect propulsion and leaving the ground, but they have less impact on foot strike.
Surface density can affect the feedback and stress on the body, but it is not the primary factor in running mechanics.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
01:39 Understanding Foot Strike
04:44 Different Types of Foot Strikes
09:20 Injury Rates and Foot Strike
14:51 The Controversy of Barefoot Running
20:39 Foot Strike in Sprinting
25:06 When to Consider Changing Foot Strike
34:19 Cues for Running Form
37:19 Understanding Vertical Oscillation
44:22 The Skill of Running Slowly
46:26 The Awkwardness of Running Slowly
50:07 Impact of Foot Issues on Running Mechanics
54:29 Injury: Too Much Too Soon or Poor Mechanics?
58:13 Effect of Surface on Foot Strike and Leg Stiffness
01:04:09 Summary and Takeaways