How to Develop an Efficient Running Pace

How to Develop an Efficient Running Pace
In forefoot running, cadence is naturally greater than in heel strike running. But increasing your preferred step-rate by 5% is even better on the shins and knees. The best method to develop an efficient running pace is with a metronome. In fact, runners are better able to regulate their pace with a metronome instead of with music (Bood et al. 2013). How to Develop an Efficient Running Pace Humans evolved as endurance runners, and are also predisposed for auditory-movement synchronization while running (Karageorghis and Priest, 2012). Many forefoot runners enjoy listening to music during their runs which is acceptable as a symphony of research suggests listening to the right kind of beat may improve endurance capacity in runners. Better yet, listening to the beep of a metronome is more effective than music in optimizing target cadence. Many ‘serious’ runners however, prefer to listen to their body, but newbie forefoot runners need to learn to develop a faster cadence and therefore, may benefit from listening to high-tempo sound. (learn more about high vs low cadence in running and how performance is affected) Metronome Better Than Music A study by Bood et al. (2013) investigated the effects of different auditory conditions on movement-synchronization and performance in runners, and found that runners who listened to a metronome performed similarly to runners who listened to high-tempo music. The motivational element of music enhanced running performance in the music runners, whereas improved running performance in the metronome runners was due to enhanced cadence consistency. However, the researchers reasoned that a metronome may improve running performance better than music because the constant, steady tempo of a beep prevents the energy loss associated with rapid cadence acceleration and deceleration caused by high-tempo music. In other words, different elements of a song, including lyrical content, may affect movement consistency in a way that could suddenly reduce, or increase speed, making it difficult to converse energy during running. So to best match your target cadence, the researchers recommended running to the beep of a metronome to ensure pace consistency. The Take Home Message Music not only provides a stimulus for stride-synchronization during forefoot running, it provides a strong motivational element, too. However, a metronome appears to take it one step further by regulating cadence more effectively, enabling a runner to better pace themselves. More From Run Forefoot: Running with Knee Pain – Find out what you need to do to keep your knees healthy when you run. Barefoot and the Spinal Cord – Learn how running barefoot stimulates the spinal cord, resulting in better spinal cord function and movement coordination. Recommended Forefoot Running Shoe – Check out my review on the Vivobarefoot EVO Pure, a barefoot like shoe that’s perfect for road racing. Learn Barefoot Running – Great advice on how to learn barefoot running with greater ease. Why Run Forefoot – An overview as to why I feel all runners would benefit from forefoot running rather than heel strike running. Forefoot Running Shoes Store Locator – Here you will find the best online places to buy barefoot inspired footwear that will help you nail your forefoot running technique. Stop Landing on Your Heels – Understand how landing on your heels while you run is not only ineffective for performance, but increases your risk of serious and chronic injuries. Barefoot Running Books – Different perspectives and ideologies on how to learn barefoot running better. References: Bood et al., (2013). The power of auditory-motor synchronization in sports: enhancing running performance by coupling cadence with the right beats. PLoS One, 8(8):e70758. Karageorghis, CI and Priest, DL. (2012). Music in the exercise domain: a review and synthesis (part 1). Int Rev Sports Exerc Psychol, 5(1):44-66. Lenhart et al., (2014). Increasing running step rate reduces patellofemoral joint forces. Med Sci Sports Exerc, 46(3):557-64. Terry et al., (2012). Effects of synchronous music on treadmill running in elite triathletes. J Sci Med Sport, 15(1):52-7. Don’t forget to check out the Run Forefoot Facebook page, it’s the best place to ask questions about forefoot running, barefoot running and injury. I’m always happy to help! Original article and pictures take http://runforefoot.com/forefoot-running-music-vs-metronome/ site