stomper
Guest
Normally I run a mix of rocky/muddy trails and pavement, but currently I'm getting ready for a 15K road race in March.
I've found if I take my trail running style and just do it on miles of pavement without a break, I feel banged up and stiff.
I am guessing pavement is significantly more stressful because, beyond the sheer hardness of the material, there is much less variety in the angles and forces my body is experiencing. So I've made some adjustments which seem to help.
Trails: cadence 185+, constantly varying length and angle of stride to find the most favorable spots, arms a bit wider for balance
Pavement: cadence 200+ if possible, extremely short steps, more bend in knees, arms in tight with hands relatively high so they will swing faster and match the cadence.
Can any of you marathoners or half marathoners critique or add to these? I know it won't be a major trial to run 15K, but I'd like it to really feel good.
I've found if I take my trail running style and just do it on miles of pavement without a break, I feel banged up and stiff.
I am guessing pavement is significantly more stressful because, beyond the sheer hardness of the material, there is much less variety in the angles and forces my body is experiencing. So I've made some adjustments which seem to help.
Trails: cadence 185+, constantly varying length and angle of stride to find the most favorable spots, arms a bit wider for balance
Pavement: cadence 200+ if possible, extremely short steps, more bend in knees, arms in tight with hands relatively high so they will swing faster and match the cadence.
Can any of you marathoners or half marathoners critique or add to these? I know it won't be a major trial to run 15K, but I'd like it to really feel good.