Running Cadence

I've found an interesting parallel between speed reading and speed running. The basis for speed reading is simply to move your eyes faster. It's almost nothing more than that.

Just push them across the page- use constant effort- push push push.

The ability of the human brain to process information is faster than the rate at which our eyes can move across the page. So, we simply have to train our eyes to move faster. Our brains will process in suit.


I'm amazed at the parallel with running! I've been training with a former BYU track star who would run 12 miles at a 6 minutes pace for a DAILY workout. How does someone run that fast? Seriously?

All you do is push push push- speed it up. Rather than running at a comfortable pace (6mph) for two hours, run at a fast pace (9mph) for twenty minutes. That'll get you going. If you can't do that, use the 'Crossfit' principle: exercise at full capacity then relax in a 3:1 ration. For example sprint at an incline for six minutes, then walk for two.

I'm working on this (the sprinting concept), and can't wait to keep it up.

**Just a little thought: if you can run at a 6min mile pace for one minute: you're great. Now, simply add one little bitty minute per week at that speed. That's a 10 second increase in time per day- you can do it! Then, after two months, enter a mile race competition! :)

Runners measure pace by cadence: the number of running strokes per minute. For tall people (6 feet and up) it is suggested to run 90 strokes a minute (a stroke is measure only on one foot). Then, as you speed up, try to keep your cadence pretty consistent and increase your push and pull.