What is Overstriding in Running and Why is it Bad?

Question

Can you illustrate what overstriding is and clarify its negative consequences, especially for runners?

Answer 1

Overstriding while running occurs when the heel of your foot hits the ground so far from your body that it is in front of your knee. This is the equivalent of pressing on the brakes with every stride. Such a method of running not only hinders performance but also applies higher force to the shin and knee regions. It can be a cause of injury and increased muscle fatigue that makes the running experience arduous than what it ought to be.

Comments

The physics part is correct but I believe the form is still a bit off - the tell is the landing on the tip of the foot, missing proper ankle dorsiflexion to land mid foot (the shin will cry ...), thus missing out the running efficiency from energy store/release of plantar facia. (I believe it's also not landing straight below. The little angle could still cause injury in the long run.) The "butt kick" should be under, not behind.

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Guys it all boils down to actually running not speed walking. If your foot lands on the heel it's called walking, when you land on front of your foot it's called running. 75% of "runners" are doing it wrong in their massively cushioned shoes, which also slow you down, but I digress. How to fix it? take of your "running" shoes and try running on asphalt/concrete/pavement bare foot. If you run correctly you won't feel a thing - if you speed walk you will start feeling pain in your heels after 30 seconds. Afraid of this test - do it on a sandy beach first. Read Gordon Pirie's "Running fast and injury free" and run like a boss.

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Very complicated, can this be told in simple words. I have not understood what's core point. Just quantify 2-3 points to measure optimum stride or whatever needs to be measured. Just words won't help, changes need to be measurable.

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I can never understand 'heel strikes'
I've even tried to run that way and I can't do it.
I suppose it's what's best for you.

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Damn it, already knew all this.  Also, don't heel strike.