Running Podcast 1 - Overspeed

It's been ridiculously cold all over the country (windchills of -15 here). I hope warmer weather is on its way. Really really. But until it is, we're all going to need some incentive to get our butts on the treadmill. Hope this workout helps!

I've been reading … show moreJoe Friel's blog. And one of the things that's really struck me, as I've been writing my training program for the next season, is his emphasis on speed drills.

Since we're dealing with running today, here's a break down of the concept as it applies specifically to running: the only ways you can become a faster runner are to take more steps and to take longer steps. So with this workout, we're trying to develop faster leg speed. How are we going to do that? Overspeed training!

For this workout, we start at a cadence of 88, which should be manageable. If it's not manageable, I've included a list of songs that are at an appropriate BPM for running in order to gradually up your cadence. As the workout progresses, you have intervals of faster and faster cadence, followed by recovery periods at 88-90 BPM. Intervals get longer and longer, too. If at some point, the cadence becomes too fast for you, just go back to a speed at which your comfortable. After a few weeks with the workout, you should be able to hit those faster cadences. Keep in mind that the taller and longer-legged among you will have more trouble holding a faster cadence, and will probably be more efficient at a slower cadence anyway. Hopefully, you'll eventually find a cadence that feels optimal.

The danger in this workout is in losing form due to fatigue. Remember to keep your body loose, especially your legs and knees. Maintain an athletic posture. Imagine that you're being hauled forward by a cable that's attached to your sternum. Relax your facial muscles. Align your breathing with your footfalls.

As far as when you do this, treat it like an early-season speed session. You're not doing intervals right now (probably), so do this instead!

Running Podcast 1 - Overspeed

Wonderwall (4:19) - Oasis (87 BPM)

Whole Lotta Trouble (2:27) - Cracker (87 BPM)

Extra Ordinary (3:42) - Better Than Ezra (90 BPM)

Inside Out (3:39) - Eve 6 (90 BPM)

The Swimming Song (2:33) - Loudon Wainwright III (93 BPM)

Cool Blue Reason (3:28) - Cake (88 BPM)

Soldier (3:46) - Eminem (95 BPM)

Healer (3:51) - Ten Shekel Shirt (90 BPM)

All My Life (3:37) - Shihan (97 BPM)

I am the Way (3:57) - Mark Schultz (90 BPM)

Don't Call me White (2:37) - NOFX (100 BPM)

Superstones Strike Back (2:42) - The O.C. Supertones (91 BPM)

Deeper Than Crying (2:38) - Alison Krauss (88 BPM)

Everloving (3:26) - Moby (90 BPM)

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