Hi Dan,
David is so right!
Heel strikers tend to land with the foot way out in front of their body. If that leg goes way out in front there's no option but to land on the heel. Also, in this situation the leg is pretty much straight, no cushioning. The third situation this sets up is with the leg out in front you tend to "brake" or almost stop for a split second every stride. Think of when you walk down steps, you land on your mid/forefoot without ever realizing it. If you went down the steps and landed on your heel you can imagine how much a jolt it would send up your leg. “Visualization" is remove your shoes and jog down the hall barefooted. How did you land? I bet you didn't hit on your heels but, again, without realizing it landed midfoot.
I've read many posts where the doctor does not recommend running after hip resurfacing due to the "pounding" it exposes the hip to. I agree!! The word "pounding" hurts just thinking about it!! If you learn to land with the foot contacting (not pounding) the ground pretty much directly under your body it will be a smooth ride.
Bob