Many runners are approaching fall races and as they begin their taper phase it’s a great time to incorporate strides.
The weeks of strength and endurance training necessary to achieve success in distance races tend to encourage a shorter shuffling stride, we can counter this by incorporating strides while tapering.Strides should be short, quick efforts over 50 to 200 meters. Begin steadily and accelerate through the stride while concentrating on form, run upright, shoulders forward, arms swinging powerfully but relaxed at our sides. Don’t hunch, don’t sprint all out, think of powerful forward drive and rearward heel lift. Do 4 to 8 strides after an easy run and take full recovery between each.
We use strides as part of our warm up on track each Tuesday.
(originally published 9/9/2015)