The Pose (Read 1858 times)

This is an interesting discussion. I find during 5 and 10K races I am more up on the front, but anything over 1/2 M I am more to the rear but not all the way on the back corner of the heel where so many land. I guess in my case, leg speed has something to do with how my feet land. If any of you have tried on a pair of Newton running shoes those babies get you on the forefoot for sure. I just went to buy some racing shoes on Saturday and bought the new DS Trainers but the guy at the store wanted me to put on a pair of Newtons and run down the sidewalk. There is no way you could run any significant distance in those things if you're a heel striker. I will be interested to see how many pairs of Newtons I see out racing this year. There is not much shoe there for $155.

*Thread Hijack*...sorry mschantz...what are your thoughts on the DS Trainer? I see we use the same shoe (2130) and was thinking of trying the DS. Thanx Chris Now back to your regular viewing

Yes, I'm sure. I don't run a marathon barefoot, nor do I do so at 100m speed. Heel striking in and of itself is not a problem. Overstriding is, which is marked by heel striking. However, just because you are a heel striker does not mean you are overstriding. Quick response to the issue. Foot strike and shock absorption. Bottom line is that there is no reason to think that heel striking is "bad".

I did not say you ran or run a marathon barefoot, or you did so at 100m speed. You said and I quote "And for the record HEEL STRIKING IS NOT BAD. In fact, it is no better or worse than any other type of foot strike. It is no faster, it is no more efficient, it is no more economical than a mid- or forefoot strike. OVERSTRIDING is bad." I do not think most people can run as fast landing on their heels as on the balls of their feet hence my question. For the record, I DO NOT ADVOCATE THAT ANY ONE SHOULD CHANGE THEIR NATURAL GAIT. In my case, I land on the balls of my feet whether I am running 100m or 26 miles. I do not land on my heels ever. I have a son 9 YO and he runs the same. I have had people convince me to do other wise and it was a disaster. I know many people who run like me and I hate when I hear folks starting to tell people to run other wise. While I have found many of Dr. Romonov's ideas useful for myself, I do not agree with him saying the Pose method is perfect for all. I fundamentally disagree with people like the coach you referenced in your article telling people who are natural fore foot strikers about adjusting based on the distance they are running. Every one should do what is natural. One of those site referenced earlier that analyzed Pose (too lazy to check) claim that Haile runs heel toe. That is such a lie I cannot believe some one would post that on the net and continue to get away with it. I have written to him asking that he contact Haile and have him comment on the issue. I am still awaiting a response. Scot if you are running heel toe and you are happy with it fine. Just as bad as it is for one to suggest fore foot strike is best similarly I detest folks going over board stretching the truth to discredit fore foot strike or toe running. I run that way it is fine for me and more power to those who are happy as heel strikers or heel to toe or fore foot then back to heel. Now if you want to have an intellectual discussion about the physiological advantages or disadvantages of either style fine

*Thread Hijack*...sorry mschantz...what are your thoughts on the DS Trainer? I see we use the same shoe (2130) and was thinking of trying the DS. Thanx Chris Now back to your regular viewing

I have only worn them once so far. They are obviously lighter than the 2130's but fit like a typical Asics. They are not a true racing 'flat' per se. There is some midfoot support but they flex easier. For some reason my heels felt like they were sitting lower in them compared to the 2130's. I am racing in them this Sunday so we'll see how it goes. But if you like your 2130's I am sure you will like the feel of the DS, especially the fit. BTW if you order online, get a size bigger than normal. For some reason this model is running really small. I wear an 11 in 2130's and pretty much everything else, but am wearing a 12 in the DS XIII.

That is true. It's why sprinters and most short distance racers use a forefoot landing. However, excelling in long distance races, especially anything longer than a 5k, isn't about speed as much as it is about running efficiency. And the heel-ball shuffle stride is more efficient for most runners.

I agree with you fully on the first point. I cannot recall anyone doing well other wise. On the second point, I will agree that among the masses an overwhelming majority of runners does some form of heel landing (ie. Heel toe, flat-footed, etc.) I would however like to add that among elite runners while there are some heel landing runners in the above 10K races the overwhelming majority do run fore foot landing for the ENTIRE RACE. Now before I am attacked let me say that I DO NOT think this is in anyway proof that forefoot landing is better. In fact, I am leaning to thinking it has more to do with the genetics of many of the top runners or a myriad of other factors. I saw one article trying to deny this but you can go on U-Tube or observe any running event and see for yourself. Do not rely on some writer affected by their biases. I say this to because I do not agree the “Heel ball shuffle” or whatever you call it is more efficient in long distance running. I would prefer to saw a preponderance of runners seem to run that way and therefore may find it more efficient. I for one and countless others do find running on the balls of our feet more efficient. Just as a side and this happen to be something, the Pose people recommend. When standing on your feet all day do not lock you knees and rock back on your heels. Rather relax your knees lightly and bare the weight more on the balls of the foot. I found that this practice worked perfectly for me when I was a kid in cadets and on parade for hours. Now guess what? Not everyone will agree to this. To me it is a matter of to each his own.

Runnersbliss, I haven't seen anyone disagreeing with you, but your tone (admittedly hard to read on a message board, but the ALL CAPS come off as yelling) suggests that others have been saying that everyone in the world should go out and touch their heel first to the ground when they run. They're not. They are saying what you are saying. 1. It doesn't make much sense to fiddle with form unless something's wrong. 2. People have different form because they are built differently. 3. Foot strike is not always the best way to think about form issues. If it really is a matter, as you say, "of to each his own," then why the hostile tone? What follows from that is respecting and even encouraging alternative views.

Hi Jeff I always admired reading your post. This is due to how you tend to bring a certain calmness to the discussion. Let me apologize. I only used the caps to make sure that no one would miss read what I was saying. Finally, I am not sure that everyone here does agree with “to each his own”. Like Jakenight said at the beginning of the post “Oh, boy. Here we go.” I guess he knows how controversial this topic is. I have gotten into many of these discussions because I can see where people or coming form in criticizing Pose. However, you will always find these same people going overboard to criticize running on your forefoot. This was done to me when I first started to train for a marathon. I did not even think much about the way I ran for 39years of my life before that. I was convinced by others that I did not run properly and fitted with heavy-duty cushioning shoes. To this day, my wife shakes her head when on a limited budget I went out and got fitted for Orthotics at $800.00 all for naught. I have thrown that all away I now run in the cheapest shoes for over a 1000 miles no injuries. Jeff I suffered. It was only while on the old CR board that the discussion came up and a few people spoke about gait. I got into the discussion and realized that nothing was wrong with how I ran. I literally had to train myself to go back to running as I naturally did.

I have gotten into many of these discussions because I can see where people or coming form in criticizing Pose. However, you will always find these same people going overboard to criticize running on your forefoot. This was done to me when I first started to train for a marathon. I did not even think much about the way I ran for 39years of my life before that. I was convinced by others that I did not run properly and fitted with heavy-duty cushioning shoes. To this day, my wife shakes her head when on a limited budget I went out and got fitted for Orthotics at $800.00 all for naught. I have thrown that all away I now run in the cheapest shoes for over a 1000 miles no injuries. Jeff I suffered. It was only while on the old CR board that the discussion came up and a few people spoke about gait. I got into the discussion and realized that nothing was wrong with how I ran. I literally had to train myself to go back to running as I naturally did.

Hey runners bliss--putting this in context really helps. I put what I thought was the key part of what you wrote in bold. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. You're right; we're all different, figuring it all out on our own, and it's important to realize that the advice you get on running forums is worth what you pay for it, if that much! I like your username!