Do Sprinters Run on Their Toes?

Sprinting requires enormous agility and cardio health.

Sprinters seem to defy the normal capacities of the human body. As you watch sprinters running as quickly as they can down a short-distance track, you might think that they are flying, or just touching the ground with their toes. If you are trying to become a sprinter, it is best not to imitate the best of the best with what you have observed on television or at a track and field event. Take the time to learn what effects sprinting on your toes can have.

Instructions

1. Use your toes when you are pushing off in the first part of a sprint. Push forward as hard and as fast as you can for a few steps before moving out of the start phase of your sprint.

2. Run on the balls of your feet once you have moved to a more upright position. Running on the balls of your feel will allow you to achieve your best results as a sprinter. The balls of your feet offer your stability and power that your toes do not. Use the balls of your feet to push against the ground.

3. Avoid running on your toes to prevent injury. Running on your toes can lead to poor running mechanics and an off-balance stride. Sprinting in this way can lead to many different kinds of injuries.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult a doctor if you feel pain in your toes, feet, knees or legs after sprinting.

References

• ShapeFit: Sprinting, Sprinters and Speed Training
• Oz Track: Sprint Training for the Developing Athlete
• Sport Fitness Advisor: How to Improve Your Sprinting Technique
• Mile High Multi Sport: Improve Your Running (Part II of II)