The importance of strides

Strides are an important tool in the training of all distance runners not just middle distance runners!

Running at almost is top speed is forgotten about in many peoples training programs because people many think it is pointless for longer distances. However strides are a great way to improve your form and efficiency.

Running at these very fast paces makes all other slower paces seem easier and gives you more comfort at race race. If you can't run a 400m in under 70 seconds a 17:30 5k will seem nearly impossible to for 2k because you are not efficient enough at that fast pace!

For middle distance runners strides are also the foundation for the much harder track sessions come Spring/Summer. An example of a strides after a run in the Winter of the middle distance runners is 6-8 X 100m at 800m race pace with full recovery. Then come track season they would do 6-8 X 300m with 90 seconds rest. Without the earlier work in the Winter this session would become much tougher as they wouldn't have been used to this fast pace

It is important not too strain to much on the strides. You should be going very fast but not 100%, your form should be correct and you should feel relaxed. Most strides should be between 50-100m. It is important to start the stride with a small 5-10m jog acceleration to decrease the chance of injury and when you finish don't stop abruptly either but rather decelerate for 10-20m