Technique in running is something that is often overlooked in the casual competitive runner, and in many cases can lead to the development of an overuse injury. In gait (running movement) patterns, maximising your efficiency during gait will prevent joint overloading and thus prevent the onset of load induced injury.

Common technique habits that can increase your risk of injury include overstriding, heavy heel striking and crossing the mid line of your body. Those might all seem slightly complicated to diagnose when heading out for your daily run.

Over a four part series, we will look at some common running technique mistakes and how they can affect you putting one foot in front of the other!

BLOG SERIES PART 2: OVERSTRIDINGIt is quite common in the running game to use certain terms to describe your running pattern and the impact you have with your technique. All over the internet you will find running blogs which implement different terms and try and guide you in the right direction, but we’re here to help you understand and use this information to become a better runner.

Stride
The actual impact from one foot meeting the ground, transferring through the foot, taking off, swinging though and contacting the ground again.

Stride Length
The distance of one stride, generally measured from initial contact point to initial contact point on the same leg.

Gait
In health terms, we use this term to describe your movement style. It encompasses both walking and running, both foot contact and flight time.

Midstance

The stage in your gait where your foot is flat on the ground, and taking the full weight of your body. This time in your gait cycle is commonly where compensations can occur through your foot, knee or hip.

Toe-Off

The propulsion phase where your foot leaves the ground.

Heel Strike

The initial ground contact generally made by rearfoot and midfoot runners.

Load

Commonly referred as “training load” it refers to the forces coming through the body.

Now you know the lingo, next week in Part 2 we will delve into Overstriding. Watch this space!