Running is one of the best forms of cardiovascular exercise anyone can do. If you plan to start, then you better make sure that you can get the most out of your running by doing it properly. In this article, we will be discussing a technique called forefoot running technique which is basically how you will run if you were barefoot.
Yes, there is a proper way. You might be thinking and saying to yourself as of the moment, “how complicated can running be?”
You simply need to get up, run, and sweat. Though sweating is good, that is just half of the formula. What about the other half? What about toning your muscles?
When you run with your forefoot instead of your heels, which most people usually do, you are able to run in a more natural style. Your legs will play the role of shock absorbers.
Your legs will be painful and sore the morning after your first day of forefoot running because they were utilized appropriately. In the first place, one of the primary functions of your legs is to act as shock absorbers when you are walking or running.
The best decision you’ll ever make in your running routine is switching from heel running to forefoot running. However, it is not an easy task, especially if you have been heel running for a long time. It will be a challenging transition but it will be worth it! Everyone who made this change improved when it comes to speed and recovery.
The first thing you must do is shoe shopping. Surprising as it may seem, there are a lot of shoes designed especially for forefoot running. Forefoot running technique shoes will aid in strengthening the muscles on your foot. Forefoot running shoes are usually lighter than regular running shoes. There is less mass that you will need to accelerate with each stride you make.
On your first day of forefoot running technique training, you must do it at a slow pace. It does not matter if you have been running for years or days. This is a totally different style of running which will work your leg muscles a lot. If you do this vigorously at your first try, you will have awfully sore and stiff legs the next day. Worse, you might even get injured. Start in the comfort of your home.
Try walking barefoot for a day. See how your feet and legs work differently in contrast to how they work with footwear on. When you decide to take it outside, make sure that you do not exceed one mile in your first week. Gradually increase your distance every week by a quarter-mile.
If at any time you feel pain, give your body ample amount to rest. Soreness in the muscle is normal but painful joints or tissues are a different story. It is also important to know that this transition will take you about 2-3 months to complete.
This time, warm-ups and cool-downs must not be taken for granted. It is imperative that you stretch your hamstrings and calves. You can also help your muscles heal faster by massaging your calves and foot arches from time to time.
Determination is the key to being successful in this fitness endeavor. However, you must know how to draw the line. For example, if anything hurts, you must stop right away before you get badly injured. If the pain is chronic, consult a physician.
Usually, this happens when you run too fast and your foot lands too far away from where your hips are positioned or when you point your toes too much. This is not a race and you are not competing with anybody. The forefoot running technique will make you run faster in time. For now, take it slow and do it properly!
Also read: Evolution Running Technique
