Research Evidence

In his Science of Running blog, performance coach Steve Magness brings attention to an interesting study that looked at the stride length and frequency of the top three finishers of the 10K race at the 2007 World Championships. The smallest of these was four inches shorter than the tallest, and all were well under six-feet tall. In the final lap of the race, two of the runners increased either their stride length or frequency in an attempt to run faster and win. The shorter of the two increased his frequency while the taller one increased his stride length, which did allow them both to run faster. The third runner tried to increase his stride length but his frequency, which had been the highest throughout the entire race, declined, and his speed didn’t increase, but rather, stayed the same. Oh, who won the race? The shortest guy! He was the one who increased his frequency while not decreasing his stride length.

So, the moral of the story is, no matter your height, don’t worry, be happy!

Did you think this was fact, or fiction? Leave a comment below!

About the Author: Jeanette Beninati

Jeanette Beninati, AKA Jupiter Running Girl, is a lifelong runner. She earned her coaching certification from the United Endurance Sports Coaching Academy. She’s an elementary school teacher and educator by trade, a health and fitness enthusiast, and has completed several ultra marathons. More posts by Jeanette Beninati