Running - What is an overstride?

When we talk about running technique you will often hear the term 'overstride', but what exactly is an overstride and why is it important?

An overstride is one of the most common flaws in a runners technique. It occurs when your landing foot reaches out too far in front of your centre of mass as it makes initial contact with the ground. This then creates braking forces that slow you down, make your running technique less efficient and put additional stresses through your body that can lead to injury. There are a number of injuries that it is commonly linked to, including shin splints (or MTSS), anterior hip pain, plantar faciitis and knee pain (PFPS & ITB syndrome).

How do you know if you overstride?

It's very difficult to just 'know' if you are overstriding when running. In order to identify this and other potential areas for improvement in your running technique you should have a head-to-toe biomechanical running gait analysis, this slow motion video footage allows you to break down your technique frame by frame to identify exactly what is going on within your stride.

Can you correct an overstride?

Most definitely, you can reduce and eliminate an overstride. This can be achieved with technique cues to focus on within your running gait alongside exercises that emphasise and encourage better running form by strengthening and activating appropriate muscle groups.

Do you want to know if you overstride?

Book in for a biomechanical running gait analysis with us and we'll help you improve your technique! Don't let an overstride hold you back!

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Email: davidward@performtherapy.co.uk

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