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Taking it All in Stride

By Brad Scott

One of the biggest challenges many people have while running is the basic act of running itself. People run for two (2) major reasons. 1) To stay fit and 2) To compete. Either way, the goal is to get from one point to the other in the shortest amount of time. You can decrease your time dramatically by learning how to run, by which I mean your basic stride. Next time you are at the gym or on the track, take a look at how you are running. Are your legs moving really fast but with short steps? Are you basically walking fast?

When running for time it is best to take long strides in a nice smooth rhythm. You can practice this by starting off slow until you learn the basic movement. Begin by walking. Try to over emphasize each step. Spread the front leg far ahead of the body before starting to move the back. Be sure to pump your arms during each movement. Don't try to go too fast, just get the movement down. Next, change that long stride walk into a bound. Stretch your front leg out (far out) and then push off with the back leg. Again, remember to pump your arms during each movement. You goal is not to go fast, but just to get the movement down. Stride out far with the front leg and push off with the back.

As this bounding move becomes easier for you, pick up the pace remembering to stride out far ahead with each step and pump your arms. Start by bounding for a half mile and then increase to one mile as it becomes easier. Start to time yourself for one mile of bounding. You will see that as the movement becomes easier your time will start to decrease. And guess what, you are running. And running fast.

This bounding run is for basic distance running. Many competitive sports require a different type of stride to be able to change direction rapidly.

About the Author:

Brad Scott is Owner and President of Sport and Life Fitness in Melbourne Florida. He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and is a Certified Fitness Trainer and Specialist in Sports Conditioning with the International Sports Sciences Association. With over 20 years of experience, Brad offers a wide variety of fitness solutions for most anyone. Visit him online at www.SportAndLifeFitness.com today and start your fitness journey.