What role do strides serve for a runner?

Strides play a crucial role in enhancing a runner's neuromuscular efficiency. When a runner performs strides, they engage in brief bursts of faster running that stimulate the nervous system. This activity helps to improve the coordination between the nervous system and the muscles, allowing for quicker muscle responses and better overall running mechanics. The practice of running at these slightly faster paces helps runners develop a sense of rhythm and form, which can lead to improved efficiency during longer runs.

In contrast, while improving speed can happen as a byproduct of doing strides, that is not their main function. Strides do not significantly contribute to increasing overall distance; instead, they are more about quality of movement than quantity. Furthermore, strides do not primarily focus on enhancing flexibility, although they may lead to some slight improvements in muscle pliability through the varied paces and motion patterns involved. Thus, the key benefit of strides lies in becoming more efficient neuromuscularly, optimizing performance during main running sessions.