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Out'n about... just not Climbing => Running => Topic started by: mudworm on June 15, 2007, 02:27:48 PM

Title: Are shorter but faster strides better?
Post by: mudworm on June 15, 2007, 02:27:48 PM
My natural stride length is long. I tend to lift my feet high and make big steps. Maybe because I always thought those who ran that way looked cool, or maybe I was just too afraid of tripping on a rock.

Recently I have run with a running group at work a few times, and many people in that group are hardcore runners. I noticed that some of them use noticeably shorter but faster strides even though they are at my height or taller. So today, I did an experiment -- I tried to keep my feet closer to the ground.  I think the end result is my average speed on the 5 mile run is a little lower than usual. But I was glad to find that I didn't get the pain in my hip joint that I always get.  Hmmm... maybe it is a better way to do it.  Next time, I'll see if I can increase my cadence to bring my average speed up.
Title: Re: Are shorter but faster strides better?
Post by: F'ueco on June 17, 2007, 10:01:20 AM
The length of the stride should vary quite a bit from person to person; but your stride will get longer the faster you are running. But the key is not to lift your feet any higher off the ground than you have to; almost like you're shuffling your feet. You want your energy to go into forward momentum, not in lifting your feet.
Title: Re: Are shorter but faster strides better?
Post by: mudworm on June 19, 2007, 08:17:06 AM
Will try shuffling my feet today. I'm sure it will feel weird first.