Recently I saw a post on instagram from a running coach with a very large number of followers claiming a lot of things about different strike types.
Like it's okay to heel strike when walking, but at any speed faster than walking, even jogging, you should NEVER put your heel down first.
He also claimed that anyone who takes their shoes off and runs barefoot never puts their heel down first.
And all his followers cheered and said that everything he claimed is the truth and nothing but the truth.
That's why I made this video.
Here I address the following issues:
- What is heel strike? If the heel of the shoe touches the ground first but you get most of the load on the whole foot, is it heel or midfoot strike?
- Is it the case that people who take off their running shoes and start running barefoot automatically start landing on their forefoot?
- Do people among habitually barefoot populations land on their forefoot when they run barefoot?
- Do most elite runners have forefoot, midfoot or heel strike?
- Is there a different injury risk depending on your strike type?
I know I've touched on some of these things in previous videos. But obviously there are many people who still have strange forefoot fantasies that don't match the studies and statistics on the subject.
This video is for them.
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Fredrik Zillén is an running technique specialist that has over the years helped thousands of runners to a more efficient running technique - from the slowest beginners to members of the Swedish national team in running and triathlon who have participated in the World Championships and the Olympics. Fredrik also writes articles on effective running technique for Runner's World magazine.
Following the success of Fredrik Zilléns online course in Swedish, he has also produced an updated and improved version in English.
You can find it here: https://www.fredrikzillen.com
You find the Swedish version at: https://www.fredrikzillenonline.se
”I am a 2h30 Belgian marathon runner and I must say this is the best course I've seen. I am promoting you to all my running friends. It should be mandatory for all runners.”
MDM, Belgium
"Fantastic running course. Fredrik is an excellent teacher with a unique approach. I highly recommend this course to runners of all levels."
Kevin, UK
"The best money I have ever spent. Great mix of humour, practical technique and theory. It’s brilliant and I have been telling all my friends about it. I’ve knocked 30 secs off my average pace to 4:30 and at 53 I’m absolutely astonished how relaxed I feel running. It’s also really helped my cycling my adapting similar techniques and visualisation. Thanks so much."
Paul, UK
"Just wanted to say Im 2/3 through your running program and WOW what an insane difference".
Runner, Texas, USA
”I have done the first two audio lessons now. It's amazing what a difference you made for me. I ran 90 minutes yesterday and have never felt so fresh both during and after the workout, and then I have never run so fast with the same low heart rate. Thanks for that!!”
Update from a runner after two of the six audio lessons
I can honestly say it is some of the clearest and best instruction I have ever recieved in any topic. After a year of shin splints I went for a run yesterday and was almost in (joyful) tears because I had zero pain, so thank you!!
Andrew
”I can't thank Fredrik enough for putting his running course out there. I couldn't run more than 3Km without my calves straining - within two or three videos, he'd got me running properly, and I'm now happily running half marathons. Your course is one of the best "fitness money" choices I've made. Money well spent!"
John, UK
”I got your online course and it almost instantly fixed my running form. I can prove that by having half an hour faster marathon finishing time.”
Runner, Indonesia
"I knew nothing about running other than put one foot forward in front of the other...and fast. Then I signed up for his course. Mind blowing!... and too cheap if you ask me. Totally recommend it."
Runner
”Oh my goodness!!! This is an absolutely FANTASTIC course !!! Ive always struggled to enjoy running......pains in knees, calves, hip flexors......it wasnt pretty. Then I found this course and was astounded at how much my running improved after each lesson and with less effort than I was using before. Im now kicking myself for wasting time bumbling around with random techniques when I could have gone straight to the expert!”
Kerry, Australia
Read more testimonials here: https://fredrikzillenonline.newzenler.com/testimonials
The course in English: https://www.fredrikzillen.com
The course in Swedish: https://www.fredrikzillenonline.se