Older Yet Faster

Not me, but are they wearing Xero Shoes? :cool:
 
I was interested in reading answers to the OP's question, and I'm surprised there have been so few. I know the authors advocate running barefoot or in minimal shoes. Perhaps they're not members of BRS, but I'd be surprised if a few more of their readers weren't. Their Facebook group has over 1000 members, and I'd expect a bit of overlap between that group and this one.
Also puzzled by BarefootBC's comment, since focusing on 180 cadence is discussed on the website as one of 7 'myths':
'... In summary, 180 steps per minute is an arbitrary figure. Cadence should come naturally and not be forced. Even if setting your cadence to a specific count was a worthwhile goal, it would be nearly impossible to know how to calibrate it for each given speed or your current level of fitness and technique. Getting fixated on cadence doesn’t make you a better runner, it just helps you count 180+ bad steps.

Learn to land balanced and all aspects of your running form will adjust naturally around this, including your cadence. The key to reducing an over-stride and increasing speed is a balanced landing. This will enable a springy take-off, giving you more airtime, a longer stride and also a higher cadence.'

I haven't read the book myself, but maybe BarefootBC, flamee or anyone else who's read it could tell us more about why they have or haven't found it useful?
 
Also puzzled by BarefootBC's comment, since focusing on 180 cadence is discussed on the website as one of 7 'myths'
I think that's precisely what @BareFootBC was getting at... There's more to good running and good running form than just counting cadence. But if I'm wrong, I'll back out bowing very low to the ground and keep my trap shut. :oops:
 
agree with @Barefoot TJ but haven't read the book:rolleyes:.
I see cadence (around 180 for long distance) as one of the consequences of efficient running and it varies along a session and between people. It is still a queue that helps people to shorten their stride and avoid over striding. For me, it was over striding the cause of various 'issues':confused:.
 
I see cadence (around 180 for long distance) as one of the consequences of efficient running ...

This ^^^

Running well results in a higher cadence. Forcing your cadence to be high may or may not result in running well because you can do it in different ways, some good, some indifferent, and some bad. Cadence is an output of the system, not an input. The one thing that a high cadence will prevent is over striding, since you don't have time to complete the large range of motion you need to land way out front. It would not be the worst thing in the world to use cadence as a cue for learning a more natural stride length. Once natural strides feel normal, you can stop worrying about cadence and start working on reducing ground contact time if you want to improve your running. You improve that by pushing properly on the ground, not by pulling your feet up quickly. It's a complex dance of timing, posture, and balance rather than a feat of strength. If you don't care to work on that, it's fine, you can just enjoy not getting hurt. Not everyone wants to worry about going faster. It's OK to just go run, have fun, and enjoy the day. Cheers.