19 THE DRILLS

19.1 CADENCE DRILL FOR FASTER TURNOVER

This is an easy drill that helps you to become a smoother runner while also using less effort. As you focus on each of these drills, you activate your conscious brain and gain control over running form improvement. One drill a week will help you step lightly as you increase the number of steps taken per minute. This will help you run faster with greater efficiency.

  1. Warm up by walking for 5 minutes and then running and walking very gently for 10 minutes.

  2. Start jogging slowly for 1 to 2 minutes, and then time yourself for 30 seconds. During the 30 seconds, count the number of times your left foot touches. Tip: Use a Run Walk Run Timer.

  3. Walk around for a minute or so.

  4. On the second 30-second drill, increase the count by 1 or 2.

  5. Repeat this three to seven more times, each time trying to increase by one to two additional steps.

In the process of improving turnover, the human brain takes control and coordinates a series of adaptations which make the feet, legs, nerve system, and timing mechanism work together as an efficient team: