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Strike pattern refers to the way that the foot hits the ground. Forefoot runners land on the toes or balls of their feet, and their heel might not touch the ground at all throughout the stride. It is seen most commonly in sprinters as the energy built up in the forefoot when it hits the ground is focused in one area, rather than spread across the foot, ready to be redirected and used to propel the runner forward. As shock absorption is not spread evenly across the foot, this running style is not as sustainable for longer distances.
