I "slowly" made the transition starting about 6 months ago, and it made a big difference to me. I no longer have the nagging injuries I once had (ITBS and PF), but did have A LOT of pain in my calfs also when I started farefoot running. I had to back off the approach a little and only forefoot run maybe the last few miles of a run. I can't say I run 100% forefoot, but enough that I don't make a loud thumping sound when my feet hit the ground. When I use to run on a treadmill at the Y, I was such a loud heel stricker that people would just stare at me and wonder what all the rackett was....thump thump thump, and so on.

A couple of days ago I was running on a paved road and I was coming up on a walker. I figured the person heard me so I didn't say anything when I passed her. I scared her and she said "I didn't hear you coming at all". I said, sorry, and kept running. Before, a person would hear me coming from a mile away.

Keep it up...but slowly, and you with notice a hugh difference. And also, the quick turnover is very important too. Between forefoot running and quick turnover, I believe is the most important things a person can do to improve running, and prevent injuries. And I might add, the stretch your calfs and hammys, and arches as much as you can during the day, especially real good after runs.

Good luck,

Tim

http://This message has been edited by biketm (edited Sep-20-2007).

The hip pain may come from 1) muscles not used to working as much 2) inefficiencies from transitioning to a new gait.

It takes time to settle in and optimize the new modification.

I didn't know this was something that could help. I've always had the natural tendency to run on my forefoot and in the past few years I've been making a conscious effort to lead with my heel on flat ground because my stride feels more efficient this way. Feels like I'm wasting less energy. I've had no ITBS flareups in years, or shinsplints for that matter, but I'll be watching for it now.

I do know to take it easy on steep down hills because it puts a lot of strain on the shin when your forefoot whacks the pavement after the initial heel plant.