Flat-footed ??

Expert Discussion Biomechanics and Physiology
1

Hi all,

After doing some video analysis of my start it appears that when I come out of the starting blocks my support leg appears to land on the ground flat footed after the 4th step, this continues even when I’m upright (although not as pronounced). I’m not sure if this is due to a postural or ‘elasticity’ issue. But it appears to be resulting in much larger GCTs, and as a result a drop in speed. I have been attempting to raise my hips but this feels unnatural when attempting to do it during the starts.

I have some video available that I can email anyone interested 400kb (i don’t have a wmv to gif converter so I can’t upload here).

I am currently in a competition phase but wish to use whatever info I can learn from here and talking with others around me about correcting this problem during my next GPP.

My stats are:
30yrs old, 72kgs, BF 7-8%
60m PB: 6.94 jan '03
100m PB: 11.03 feb '94
200m PB: 22.30 feb '94

I used information for CFTS, the forum guide and this site to set up my training program last year. I have been training since I was 18 mostly using long to short program which got me minimal gains ( but my 300 times improved significantly), and have subsequently switched to a short to long program (last year) which I also enjoy much more.

I can provide further details to my training program if required. I followed a short to long program, moving from acceration focus to speed end. later on in 3 macrocycles. My weekly program alternated between cns and tempo days as per the CFTS description.

Thanks,
Calvin

2

Change your foot wear. Work with what you have. You may need to have more flexible trainers to allow you to get onto the ball of the foot, this also applies to your spikes. A flatter spike plate which is also flexible, will make alot of difference. Do not wear spikes that have an arch support. This is all relevant if your foot is naturally flat.

3

Dang!!!

And i just bought 2 pairs of spikes with a very solid spike plate (asics cyber flash).

Do you think this could also be related to :

  1. Poor calf strength
  2. Poor foot / achilles strength
  3. Angle of exit from the block
  4. Hip height

Thanks for the reply anyway my training partners been hassling me about not getting any replies.

4

[
Thanks for the reply anyway my training partners been hassling me about not getting any replies.[/QUOTE]

IN the interests of preserving you from undeserved hassling from unworthy training partners…but not necessarily of any benefit whatsoever to you personally…
Does anyone remember the adidas spikes produced in 1988 and worn by Flojo (I think) and no doubt many others which were originated from East German design research? They forced the wearer to tip forward onto the ball of the foot.
Wonder if anything like that design is still available for you to wear today?