To be honest I didn't get too much of the sore calf syndrome, a bit of tightness initially but no problem there now. I did build my mileage back up very slowly and as a builder, I'm on my feet daily so I know this helps (a very quick aside: I've replaced kneeling with squatting at work and I really believe that in the developed world we would be far better off if we squatted more!)Originally Posted by southernsoftie
On the subject of down hill running. I think that it is very hard not to land on your heels when you are running on a very steep incline. (so perhaps its natural?) I've always believed in planting the whole foot though, as this provides better grip with a sole full of studs. I suppose that the obvious way to descend is to try and run at the same angle that you would be running at, if you were on the flat. This would mean throwing yourself in to the fall line and requires guts and a very excessive forward lean from the ankles.
On the very few occasions that I have barefooted steep hills I think I land pretty much "all of my foot at once" my ankles are flexing down with my knees bent, I'm not brave enough to let go completely so I always end up scrubbing off speed by leaning back or from making turns (like skiing).
On tarmac hills, I've had more success in practising softer landings, depending on the steepness I can run with a comfortable forefoot landing, but my turnover is much much faster, I got it licked the other week I think when I ran softly and quietly down a steep road in my VFF. (again, like a ninja)
I guess its just a case of practise until it feels right, I'd be very interested to hear what others think about the perfect downhill form.
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