How to Run Strides The Right Way | Ultimate Fast Run Toolkit For Distance Runners

Sprinting might be the most dangerous—and most effective—thing you’re not doing.

In this episode, I break down how distance runners can safely and effectively use drills like skips, strides, windups, and sprints to get faster, feel better, and stay injury-free. You’ll learn why skipping is the glue that holds your fast running together, how to dose speed work safely, and how each drill fits into your training week. It’s not about going hard—it’s about going smart. Perfect for any runner wanting to build lasting speed.

Key Takeaways

• Skipping is a low-impact, high-value movement that primes the nervous system for speed.
• Each fast running drill (stride, sprint, windup, run-through) serves a unique purpose and timing in your week.
• You don’t need to go all-out to reap the rewards—consistency and safety matter more than intensity.

Timestamps

• [00:00] Intro — why fast running matters for distance runners
• [01:13] How This Episode Will Work
• [01:37] Why Skipping
• [03:50] Why Skipping Is Your New Best Friend
• [06:42] What Are Strides, Sprints, Windups, and Run Throughs
• [07:56] How to Do All of Them
• [10:53] Why Strides Important
• [12:17] Sprints
• [15:28] When to Do Windups
• [17:11] Why Running Fast Matters
• [19:34] How to Stay Injury Free
• [21:37] The Finish Line: Concluding Thoughts

Links & Learnings

• 📈 Get your free 1% better 6-week strides/sprints training plan - https://dlakecreates.com/strides
• 🎧 Listen, read and learn more here https://dlakecreates.com/stridesfree
• Everything you need to know about Energy Systems - https://dlakecreates.com/energy
• DLake Runs on IG - https://instagram.com/dlakecreates
• DLake Runs on Strava - https://www.strava.com/athletes/120507
• Stuart McMillian on Huberman Labs - https://youtu.be/U3cSnzdyyXU?si=EzZ4pc7o4TAv1cbS
• The effect on plyometric training on distance running study - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12627298/
• Effects of 6-week sprint interval training for distance runners - https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/physiology/articles/10.3389/fphys.2025.1536287/full

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