Running heel first is definitely easier in your typical modern training shoe with a giant heel lift. But when you put on a pair of lightweight shoes with minimal heel lift, mid-to-forefoot striking seems much more natural. Heel striking in racing flats is very awkward, and I certainly wouldn't consider it easier.<p>I definitely agree that moving away from heel striking can be very difficult after many years of doing it. I've slowly worked my way down from bulky trainers to lightweight trainers to minimal flats, and my achilles tendons gave me hell throughout the entire process.