Once you’ve adjusted to running at the new stride rate and it begins to feel more natural, you can remove the “break” in the middle of the playlist and extend the cadence portion of the workout. When you feel like you can hit your new target cadence in your sleep, try a run with no music and note your cadence using the counting technique described above, a running-specific watch or fitness tracker app.
Remember, the goal is to be able to hit the new stride rate without consciously thinking about it. Once you’ve mastered that, it’s time to up the ante. Add another 5 to 10 percent increase to your stride rate, choose some new songs and repeat!
Music can be a valuable tool to help your body and brain adapt to a quicker cadence. With some practice, your stride rate will go up and your risk of injury will go down, and that’s music to any runner’s ears.
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