What's better: lots of little steps or fewer big ones? Many runners plump for the second option, as legendary running coach Jack Daniels found that faster athletes - those attracted to shorter distances - had longer average strides. So we should all

Q I started running two years ago and have increased my half-marathon pace from 9:30 miling to 7:30 miling. I have noticed recently that I’m using a longer, slower stride for both speedwork and general training, and my times have remained the same

to improvise. Elite runners adjust the tried-and-true techniques to suit their personalities and particular needs. Here's how to do the same, netting you better fitness, faster finishes and more fun. Stride more often Elite tweak "Like most runners I do 50

VO2 max - the measure of how much oxygen your body can get to your muscles - has tended to  grab all the headlines when it comes to evaluating endurance running performance. After all, it's relatively straightforward to measure, gives quantifiable data and is a decent starting po...

, focusing on form.4. StridesOn a track, run quickly for about 15 seconds every time you start a straight, then ease off and jog the rest of the straight and the turn before beginning another 15-second stride. Do this for a mile or so (8-12 sets of strides

in recovery days on which you do 15-45 minutes of striding at an easy pace.Try these work-outs: Long (for endurance) Stride easily for the duration of a long run.Speed (for fast leg turnover) Do 15 seconds at 220 strides per minute with light resistance

, quickens your stride, expands stride length, develops your cardiovascular system, enhances your running economy and can even protect your leg muscles against soreness. In short, hill running will make you a stronger, faster and healthier runner. What’s more

University in New York.Since his book Daniels’ Running Formula was published in 1998, many high school and college coaches have adopted the Daniels approach. I believe the general upswing in American distance running success over the last decade is partly a

it so just never stopped again. – Speedy Snail!Start by conquering the mental mountainsI approach hills like a challenge. I drop down a gear, shorten my stride, slow down, get my head down and keep going. I will not let a hill beat me, and if I have

Speed repetitions Warm up, then run eight x 400m at mile race pace with two-minute jog recoveries between. 5 Sprints Warm up, then run eight x 200m at 800m race pace with 200m slow jog recoveries between.6 Strides Warm up, then run 10-12 x 100m