Ritz Changes His Footstrike

"I was definitely more of a heel-striker, so I'm definitely getting on to my midfoot more. I wouldn't say I get all the way up to my toe. I think I'm more efficient for the marathon if I stay in more of a midfoot stance anyway. But definitely, the posture of my body and the range of my stride, that's all stuff that has just kind of come through. Initially, the problem was we tried to focus solely on changing that without being strong enough to do it. We went back to trying to build it up from the strength side so it (the stride change) naturally took over instead of trying to think about it consciously. So that's the point where we'd at now; it's just a subconscious thing and I don't have to consciously think about changing my form anymore." runblogger.com

MY COMMENT: Facinating! Dathan Ritzenhein set the American record for 5,000 meters last year and finished 9th in the Olympic marathon in Beijing. Now he's changing his footstrike? For years running coaches at all levels have not messed with running form, mostly because they didn't know how to go about it. I can't wait to see how this plays out. I like it!

Where Does Your Lead Foot Strike While Running?

Aussie 10,000 meter runner David Mcneill.

It appears that his front foot lands behind his knee and he's going to plant forefoot first. Then look at me running the Napa Valley Marathon- foot out in front heel striking! Certainly not the most efficient way to run.