Tippy Toes

Stepping forward, the lead leg is switched in the exchange. Foot accelerates towards the ground and here is the piece de resistance; dorsiflex! The toes that are headed for the ground should be pointed up. This dorsiflex, or toes pointed up, aspect of the run that occurs before the foot touches the ground allows a pre-stretch of the calf. This effectively turns the feet into spring boards, vaulting the runner forward. You just have to feel it, all the way in the tips of your toes.