Hi Rick. Happy New Year. I have a physiology question for you. Starting back training for Hyannis half in Feb, but it’s slow going. Experiencing chest pain (muscular, not cardiac) and I’m thinking it’s from running to straight up and heel to toe. Thinking the pounding on the heels with my 215lbs is causing spasm. When I walk it goes right away. So I’m trying leaning forward and running toe to heel. Seems like more stress on calves, but less chest pain. I can deal with that. What do you think?
I think any chest pain is worth having checked out. Heel striking can certainly be the culprit of greater force, particularly if you’re over-striding. Your goal should be to run at a stride rate of 180 steps per minute with your feet landing directly beneath you. You’re correct that landing more on your mid/forefoot places greater stress on the calves. You may want to consider the book, Chi Running, as it helps develop more efficient running form.
Hi Rick. Happy New Year. I have a physiology question for you. Starting back training for Hyannis half in Feb, but it’s slow going. Experiencing chest pain (muscular, not cardiac) and I’m thinking it’s from running to straight up and heel to toe. Thinking the pounding on the heels with my 215lbs is causing spasm. When I walk it goes right away. So I’m trying leaning forward and running toe to heel. Seems like more stress on calves, but less chest pain. I can deal with that. What do you think?
Hello David,
I think any chest pain is worth having checked out. Heel striking can certainly be the culprit of greater force, particularly if you’re over-striding. Your goal should be to run at a stride rate of 180 steps per minute with your feet landing directly beneath you. You’re correct that landing more on your mid/forefoot places greater stress on the calves. You may want to consider the book, Chi Running, as it helps develop more efficient running form.