Couch to 5k running technique - I'm confused

[AKMD]

I've just started doing the Couch to 5K (like everyone else on here it seems!) and am at the end of week 2. 'Emma' gives some advice about running technique - heel hits the ground first, not the ball or side of your foot - and I am really confused as I thought that this running style was particularly bad for you and that you should run on the balls of your feet. I used to be quite a good runner before I got married pregnant and lazy and used the ball-first technique, never had any problems with joint pain or shin splints and found running a doddle. I tried running heel-first this week and my knees and shins are hurting so much I want to ice-bandage them before I go out again. Who is right - Emma or me?

Links to articles advising ball-first here and here

[LawrieMarlow]

I don't have any technique, but I could never manage to run with my heels touching the floor first - not sure my heels ever do touch the floor tbh. I would stick with what feels OK to you.

[duende]

AKMD, you are right, Emma is wrong.
:)

I only started runing a couple of months ago and I did heel strike at first. I ended up with terrible shin splints and knee pain. I then read about running techniques, landing on the ball of your foot, barefoot running, etc.
I stopped heel striking and voila, no more pain.

[GypsyMoth]

'Laura' says the same on the nhs podcast......confused now

[AKMD]

Oops, might be Laura. Laura/Emma, whoever is doing the voiceovers on the NHS podcasts. I posted in the NHS forum on this too and the responses have been similar. I think I'll just do it my way!

[LawrieMarlow]

I was running across the beach last night and always put the ball of my foot down - my heel never touches the ground.