Pavement Pounding - Week of August 27 to September 2

[Starfish]

chuffed

Could you explain this word and how it is normally used? I keep seeing it on the boards!!

[tattiefritter]

Probably best alternative would be pleased Pleased is a boring word in comparison, proud could also be substituted I suppose.

Example: I am really chuffed (pleased) at hitting 60 running miles this month!

or: I'm really chuffed with myself (proud of myself).

Actually thinking about it it is a daft sounding word but one in use all the time here in the UK so I take it for granted that everyone understands me even though this forum is international!

[kelownagirl]

OK, so what's heel striking?

[HappyAnika]

OK, so what's heel striking?

When your heel hits the ground first (first pic). Ideally you should land mid foot (second pic). These pictures sort of show what I'm talking about, but when running the shoe is flexed due to your foot, so the flat foot isn't quite that flat. Does that make sense? Basically when you hit your heel first, its like putting on the brakes with every step, transfers a lot of force into your knee joint. It's similar mechanics to running downhill, which is why running downhill can be really hard on your knees unless you lean forward.

[Starfish]

Uh, oh...I think heel striking is exactly how I used to run. No wonder.

[KSH]

Uh, oh...I think heel striking is exactly how I used to run. No wonder.

I think that is how everyone learns to run. Striking with your mid-foot I think is a relatively new running form that has become very popular.

If it weren't for going to a running coach for 6 months, I wouldn't have changed my form.

He basically had to retrain my body how to run and how to plant my foot down.

I know the book, Evolution Running, speaks to this kind of running form as well.

I will say though, when I run downhills I do a heel strike. It hurts my lower legs less.

[kelownagirl]

I am just learning so maybe it's not to late to learn to do it properly. I'm not sure what I do. I'll try to notice next time I run.

[Starfish]

Actually thinking about it it is a daft sounding word but one in use all the time here in the UK so I take it for granted that everyone understands me even though this forum is international!

Thank you! I think I've heard that word from some of the Australians and Kiwis, too. I enjoy the international flavor of this board. I mean, now I can go use a new word on my nieces & nephews!