Cadence is the number of times the foot with the stride sensor hits the ground per minute.
Stride length is the average length of one step. That is the distance between your right and left foot contacting the ground.
Running speed = 2 * stride length * cadence
There are two ways to run faster: moving your legs at a higher cadence or taking longer steps.
Elite long distance runners typically run with a high cadence of 85-95. On uphills, typical cadence values are lower. On downhills they are higher. Runners adjust stride length to gather speed: stride length increases as speed increases.
Yet one of the most common mistakes novice runners make is over-striding. The most efficient stride length is the natural one – the one that feels most comfortable. You will run faster in races by strengthening your leg muscles so they take you forward with a longer stride.
You should also work on maximizing cadence efficiency. Cadence does not progress easily, but if properly trained, you will be able to sustain it throughout your runs and maximize your performance. To develop cadence, the nerve-muscle connection needs to be trained - and reasonably frequently. A session of cadence training a week is a good start. Incorporate some cadence work into the rest of your week. During long easy runs, you could include some faster cadence every now and then.
When training for longer running events (½ Marathon, Marathon or longer), it may be helpful to monitor cadence. A low cadence at expected race pace can cause problems later in the event, as your legs tire. One way around this is to work on increasing leg speed at expected race pace. You can set your running computer to show pace and cadence. Try to shorten your stride and increase cadence while holding the same pace (set a narrow pace zone to give you audio feedback).You can aim to raise running cadence above the following:
- 80/min (4hour Marathoners)
- 85/min (3hr 30min Marathoners)
- 88/min (3hour Marathoners)
This is a general guide only, taller runners will naturally have slightly lower cadences. Runners should also tune in to what feels comfortable for them personally.
A good way of improving stride length is to undertake specific strength work, like running hills, running in soft sand, or running up steps. A six-week training period including strength work should result in noticeable improvements in stride length, and if combined with some faster leg speed work (such as short strides at best 5km pace), noticeable improvements should be seen in overall speed, as well.