How to Run With a Bigger Stride

One of the key factors in any runner's performance is his stride. Your stride is the distance that your feet cover as you place one foot down and then the next during running. A longer stride equals greater distance covered, which can increase your speed and decrease your running time. Learning to lengthen your stride is a process of implementing some helpful techniques. If you don't use the proper form when lengthening your stride, you can injure yourself and decrease your overall performance.

Instructions

    • 1

      Run over hilly terrain. After jogging for 5 to 10 minutes to warm up, run at your top pace up inclines and jog gently down the hills.

    • 2

      Run for 100 to 200 feet using exaggerated "bounds" on each step. Don't run at top speed, but focus your energy instead on your upward movements. Do this 4 to 6 times at first and build repetitions as you are able.

    • 3

      Imagine yourself gliding as you run. If you are performing a regular run, the motion of gliding will lengthen your stride. Bouncing, in contrast, will reduce your stride.

    • 4

      Focus on landing on the balls of your feet, and use quick, light footwork. Avoid extending your forward foot to an uncomfortable length as you run or landing on your heels, which can cause injuries.

    • 5

      Count your strides per minute. Strive toward the ideal goal of approximately 90 strides per leg, or 180 total, per minute.