Stride Rate - The Rhythm of the Run

Stride rate clearly is a wonderful indicator of performance. In any given race it is interesting to note that the runners with the higher stride rates are the most likely to be the fastest. They will definitely be better kickers & have less drop off of in pace in the closing stages, especially in the longer races. In discussions with elite African runners it becomes clear that what they tune into during a race is rhythm—not effort, breathing, heart rate or even pace. The cadence is the underlying drum beat of the run. When going slowly the stride length is shorter, when running uphill it is shorter, when running down hill it is longer, when running on soft surfaces it is shorter , when running faster it is longer – but the stride rate stays the same