After running the Phoenix NewTimes 10K yesterday, I remembered a friend of mine telling me about the running times of a couple of other friends: about 35 minutes. His explanation: “They’re up on their toes when they’re running that fast.”
I’ve tried running on my toes before, and indeed it seemed that I was running faster. But, Lord God Almighty, I had the worst cramps in my calf muscles the couple of times I’ve tried this.
Do any of you runners run on your toes? How did you work into it? A little at a time maybe? Any advice would be appreciated; I’m trying to shave about 10 minutes of my running time.
I’ve tried the toe thing a couple of times, and I find it hard to keep my balance. The best way I found to cut 10 minutes off my time was the morning I forgot to pee before I left the house!
I run cross country, so I only run on my toes for the last half-mile of each race. I’d say that running on your toes would only really decrease your time if it was a sprint. Only run on your toes for a little bit at a time; it’ll gradually build up your calves until you can stand it for longer distances. Good luck!
In a sprint, running on your toes will decrease your time. In a distance race, it will just make you in more pain. The only time I run on my toes in distance is going up a hill, or at the end when I sprint it in.
as a person who runs mostly on toes, (the way my feet are built) 2 words come to mind right away. shin splits! owowowowow. i can only run on soft surfaces.
Thank y’all for your input. This “up on your toes” thing is sounding more and more like a bad idea. I should follow up with another question. Do you have any other recommendations, technique-wise, as far as lowering my time, or is it just a matter of getting out and running more? I did pretty well in the race, but I’m always looking to improve.
Please describe your training and I will be happy to comment.
I still run (ran a half marathon two weekends ago, and a 5k last weekend, also have races the next two weekends) but not seriously like I used to. Although it looks like I am sliding back that way again.
I am currently doing miles in the 7 minute range, and could probably get back into the well under 6 minute mile pace with a bit of work.
Anyway, best 5k was 17:07, best 10k was 35:35. I never run on my toes at distances much over 400 meters.
Ran the half marathon in 1:44 (right at 8 minute pace).
mr. scout is a big time toe runner. Pretty fast, too. He has a very distinct style that I think many coaches would try to talk him out of. But it works for him.
I’d say if the toe thing doesn’t feel natural, bag it. Your natural running form is what feels best. I think speed work, tempo runs, fartlek, etc. is a better strategy to increase speed - not changing your basic form. (unless your form is really crappy & all over the place, but I suspect not)
