Mid-foot Strike...The Pretty Feet FORM!

So, yes its been a while!  Sorry, I am very distracted these days by several exciting projects!  But I wanted to chime on to discuss my thoughts about my attempt to augment my running form on yesterday's 10 mile run with my hubby.  I've been doing some online research about the significance of using your mid-foot to strike the ground during a run versus what I have been doing for years....a heel-strike and a hard one at that!  While it was awkward and difficult to maintain this form, I did my best and I must say there were some marked improvements and what I will from now on call, "Pretty Feet FORM!  (I love my new Stuart Weitzman's pictured above; gifted to me by one of my dear line sisters.  (Oo-oop!) Just wanted to show off! :)

I've deemed my newly adapted mid-foot strike as Pretty Feet FORM, because of the following:

1. Freedom: Consistently hitting the ground with my mid-foot instead of my heel, enabled my trunk the freedom to rotate properly and there was a marked decrease in the pressure felt normally in my back after longer runs. I actually felt my core working yesterday.
2. Observation: I observed that I didn't hear myself running.  I am notorious for sounding like an elephant when I run!   I felt light and my footsteps were soft and "pretty!"
3. Rate: My average heart rate during longer runs can vary and get into the high 170's when I am really fatigued towards the end of a run.  My heart rate ranged on this run from 143-155 even though my pace was virtually the same as on other long runs.  I was running more efficiently so I didn't tax my ticker as much.
4. Muscle Usage: My soleus (small calf) muscles are killing me today as a result of my mid-foot strike.  I know I was doing something different because even my high heels felt good today and I normally have to wear flats after long runs because of fatigue and soreness.  (High heels kept my soles' muscles short and un-stretched!)  I know I used more of the muscles I should be using during running, thus is plausible to think more efficiency was obtained.

BOTTOM LINE: I will have to do much more investigating, research and training to see if this mid-foot strike is optimal for me and if it will help me reach my next PR.  Looking good and having Pretty FORM is one thing, but producing better results is another.

Needless to say, I enjoyed my 95 minutes with my husband, no interruptions or distractions....Just the road, our iPods and the sound of Pretty Feet FORM!

Until this Springbok strikes again..Happy Running!