Running form
What Is Overstriding?
Overstriding sounds technical, but the practical idea is simple: the foot lands too far in front of the body and the step can feel like a brake.
What it means
Overstriding usually means landing with the foot well ahead of your center of mass. It is not about heel strike alone; many runners land on the heel without overstriding badly.
Why it matters
A far-ahead landing can increase braking, make cadence feel sluggish, and make easy running feel harder than it should.
Common clues
Watch for a loud landing, a reaching leg, a very low cadence for your pace, or video showing the foot landing far in front of the hips.
Gentle fixes
Think shorter and quieter for short easy segments. A 5 percent cadence increase or a metronome cue can help, but comfort matters more than the number.