Counting strides is a simple way for anyone to monitor what they’re doing when sprinting (or just running) in an unmarked park, field, or the local forest preserve path like we do. In our case, each count includes 4 strides – 2 strides when breathing in, and 2 strides when breathing out. In other words, each breathing cycle equals ONE COUNT.
Now again in our case, 20 counts (which equals 80 strides) happens to be pretty close to 100 yards. So 10 counts is approximately 50 yards. And 30 counts is approximately 150 yards.
As a point of reference, the world’s fastest man (Usain Bolt, 6 foot 5 inch sprinter from Jamaica) covers 100 meters (100 meters = 109.36 yards) in only 41 strides. So he covers more than twice as much ground as we cover with each stride. And he covers 100 meters in half the time we require to cover 100 yards. We never claimed to be fast.
You should first practice your counting technique when walking (1,2,3,4./ 2,2,3,4./ 3,2,3,4. etc.) BEFORE you test it out on the run or in the midst of a sprint. Once you’ve mastered counting when walking, you’re ready to start counting your strides when running or sprinting.
We suggest that two workouts per week is a good number for most seniors. We also suggest that you start out short/easy and build up gradually over weeks and months. So for example, if you start with several 5 count (20 stride) sprints for the first couple of weeks, you could then increase (be sure you’re comfortable) to several 10 count sprints for the next several weeks.
In between each sprint, walk until you’re recovered enough to feel like sprinting again. Over time the length and number of your sprints will increase naturally. Play with it. HAVE FUN with it - just like when you were a kid at recess!
Post # 5: Doctor’s Orders
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