Running strides is a simple yet effective way to improve your running speed.
Just adding a few extra strides to your easy runs can offer great benefits.
On this page I will cover off on:
What strides are.
Why you should use strides at the end of an easy run.
What strides have to do with improved running speeds.
Running Strides: What Are They?
The basic definition of a stride is quick run of about 60 - 100 metres with accelerated pace. You are not running all-out at your fastest possible speed, but you are going fast and you concentrate on quick turnover of your legs.
Running Strides - Improving Speed
Performing strides after easy runs on a regular basis improves your overall form and body coordination. This in turn leads to an improvement in speed.
When just starting out with running strides, keep a few things in mind:
It is much easier on your leg muscles if you do strides in the grass or on a track, rather than on concrete.
After completing one stride rest for about 60-90 seconds and get focused for the next one.
Your leg turnover should be very quick, which just means you're only just hitting the ground then lifting your legs immediately again.
Strides should not be performed as an intense training session. Keep it to an easy run with fewer strides (about 6-10).
Running Strides: When To Do Them?
Strides should be performed at the end of an easy run. You want to be able to focus on your running technique, on the fast turnover. After a gruelling interval session, a long run or a tempo workout your legs are generally going to be too heavy to do this properly. So, if you want to make running strides as effective as possible, you need to do them after easy runs only.
Use these stride running tips consistently and you will improve your running.
As your running technique improves, your body will become more efficient.
This in turn means that you can run faster while using the same amount of energy.
You will need some time and consistent practice to start seeing the results.
But hang in there and keep going. You will reap the benefits down the road.
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