What Is A Runner's Stride?

A runner's stride refers to the observable characteristics that make up the way you run, including individual variations in technique and universal characteristics like phases of movement. A runner's stride is described based on the sequence of movements and is commonly divided into support and flight phases. The support phase occurs when one foot contacts the ground while the flight phase occurs when the runner has no contact with the ground. Your stride can also be defined based on stride length, frequency and technique.

Stride Length

Stride length is another variable used to describe a runner's stride and is a factor in running speed. Your stride length is the distance between the two points where your feet first touch the ground. Each person's stride length is different and is affected by your leg length and height.

Stride Frequency

Stride frequency refers to the number of strides completed over a specific period of time. Stride frequency has a greater impact on maximum running velocity than stride length, and elite sprinters attain higher stride frequencies than novices. Stride frequency is more easily improved with than stride length. Tools for training stride frequency include assisted running and speed ladder training.

Technique

Running form is important for maximizing performance and preventing injury. Every runner is different, with subtle differences in movement that make your running stride unique, and sprinting technique is different from middle distance and endurance running. Over striding is one of the most common running technique mistakes. Over striding occurs when the leading foot lands in front of the body instead of underneath it, subjecting your body to unnecessary stress and decreasing your running efficiency. Other common technical errors include leaning back, leaning forward and running with stiff legs.

Footwear

The type of shoes you wear affects the mechanics of your running stride, particularly the alignment and activity of your body as your foot strikes the ground. According to a study published in the November 2009 issue of the journal "Nature," runners who run barefoot land on the middle or front of their feet instead of striking the heel down. Daniel Lieberman, an author of the study, explains that barefoot runners experience less shock than shod runners because they better absorb force through their legs.