Embarrasing Questions

Unknown

Do you ever get to embarrased to ask a question that prob has a very simple but not to obvious to yourself answer? well as you can not see me going red here is a very simple question : whilst out running with the club I have noticed that quite a few runners who are a lot quicker than me but who have been running longer tend to take shorter strides than me,now the question is do I a, shorten my stride in mimic of there style as it obviously works for them or do I b ,persevere with my much longer strides which feel comfortable ?

[Deleted User]

I'm always being told to lengthen my strides! You must cover more ground and maybe use less effort, but it doesn't come naturally to me. I think there is a lot to be said for staying with what feels comfortable, but I'm no expert.

[Deleted User]

Just stick with what comes naturally. It's extra training in a sensible way that will make you faster not your stride length particularly.

[Deleted User]

Your stride length would increase for sprints but to improve your overall speed maybe you should try to increase your cadence rather than your stride length. If you increase your stride length it could lead to a bounding motion which could over stress your joints.

Saxplayer

Building on what Sarcy says, your stride length will change depending on how fast you're running, whether you are going up hill or down etc. Stick to what feels right for you in the conditions prevaling.

Unknown

thanks all ,I suppose time will tell although I have noticed my times are coming down even though I have only been with the club for a few months,(I can now see the back of the pack quite clearly)