Landing clarification please

I think we're seeing this issue from different perspectives. If the goal is to allow people to regain ambulation, then hip replacement does the job. Athletics? Not so much.

http://regressing.deadspin.com/could-modern-medicine-have-saved-bo-jacksons-career-1443105382

Me, either.

 

OK, I was simply making the point that if biomechanics weren't well-understood, hip replacement wouldn't even be possible. I wasn't arguing that it's always well done, or even necessary a lot of the time. I have no idea.

One more attempt at clarification, because I consider you a good BRS friend, and mean no disrespect in trying to drop this exchange: I believe the basic anatomical functions and how we are meant to move are well-understood. I do not believe that the intricacies of athletic performance necessarily are, but the basic skills of running, throwing, hitting, are pretty universal. I haven't looked at your latest links, but in that piece about the elite endurance runners, you'll see that the basic mechanics are the same. The author is arguing about details like degree of torso rotation, and things like that, not whether torso rotation in general is a good or bad thing. So I'm speaking at a more general level, and at that level, I believe a slight foot roll from supinated to pronated upon landing is the norm, the way we're evolved to run, and most of the people I've looked at have described the gait cycle in this way. If there are alternative techniques, whether by a shoe spokesperson like Saxby or a barefoot guru, that's fine with me, but as you note, these are probably not for the beginner, and this thread was about a beginner's issue, where a discussion at a fairly general level is probably most appropriate.

 

I'm still here! Just can't get on much. I'm a bit lost with it all but I gather it's different to all. I appreciate the replies and I have plenty of links to read now.

 

Lee, your points are well taken. I consider you to be a good colleague and have enjoyed and benefited greatly from discourse with you, now and in the past. Our discussions often help to sharpen and clarify my own thoughts. For this, I wish to thank you, once again.

Please, consider all discussion ceased on this topic.

I do not share this belief. This is not an invitation to perpetuate or start a new debate, merely an expression of my beliefs.

Actually, this discussion with you has been very fruitful. I have identified some historical texts regarding the functioning of the unshod foot. I will start a few new threads, after I take some time to synthesize the information. Links to the new threads will be posted, when ready. All will be welcome to peruse them and comment.

(I discovered the significance of the line!)


Anyhow, it appears that the OP wished to get an idea of how other people conduct their forefoot landing. Since, that simple survey has been accomplished, I don’t plan to respond to this thread unless new concerns arise.

 

This is a great thread. It seems to me more natural to contact first with the medial ball of the foot when running up hill and when I'm going downhill I tend to land more laterally, even on the heel somewhat on steep downhills.

 

Agreed.
Running uphill is a different beast.
My feet also make the first contact with the medial ball of the foot then.

 

I agree that this is a fascinating discussion. I am going to try out the suggested techniques though I am not so confident that I can differentiate between a lateral and a medial landing.

 

If you can't then don't stress over it. There are a lot of barefoot runners who don't pay attention to this stuff at all and do fine.

 

Update:
I'm going to say that after more running, I don't really know or care where one is supposed to land. I just land wherever is most comfortable or least uncomfortable.

Maybe there's a perfect form for the perfect foot, that's been untouched by shoes. Certainly, my feet are not perfect.

I would also guess that shoddies might land on the heel for the same reason (even though it may cause problems later on).

I also now firmly believe that forefoot biomechanics are in general poorly understood, and that professional shod runners may not be the best examples of good forefoot function.
http://www.thebarefootrunners.org/threads/engaging-the-big-toes.17853/#post-168197

 

The video is very cool sid. Helpful to see.

I've found since I've continued running that for me personally, the landing almost isn't as important as the lifting/pulling up of the trailing foot. I hadn't realised I wasn't doing this, but now making a conscious effort to ensure I'm lifting the foot and it has changed my technique amazingly. I now land on the balls ever so slightly towards the outside of the foot and it feels light and natural. Shin pain has just about disappeared (except when cold) and I'm speeding up!