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    The RunRX Podcast

    The RunRX Podcast

    About

    RunRX is the prescription for running pain-free. With two decades of teaching running technique, Coach Valerie knows a lot about how to run without pain. Coach Caroline works with Valerie on the mindset of the athletes in their membership. Join them as they answer questions and talk about topics that many runners have asked and some that they don't realize they should ask.

    Hosted By

    Coach Valerie & Coach Caroline

    Cadence & Elasticity: Safely Train Toward 180

    Cadence & Elasticity: Safely Train Toward 180

    December 5, 2025
    12m

    Learn what cadence actually is, why 180 SPM is useful (but not an overnight fix), and how elasticity drills + metronome practice help you pick up rhythm without blowing up your aerobic effort. Coaches Caroline & Valerie break cadence down into simple progressions, explain why older runners stiffen (and how to reverse it), and give practical drills you can use today to make your easy runs feel easier and your speed work more effective.

    ✅ Key takeaways

    ✅ Cadence = steps per minute; the magic zone many coaches reference is ~180 SPM but you progress there slowly.

    ✅ Building muscle elasticity (hops, ball-of-foot drills) reduces impact and delays fatigue — it’s trainable, not only genetic.

    ✅ Use short cadence drills + a metronome before trying long stretches at higher SPM — don’t force 180 overnight.

    ✅ Keep time-based long runs (e.g., two-hour runs) rather than chasing an arbitrary mile total if that’s safer for you.

    ✅ Stop, reset, do a short drill if your form drifts on a long run — small mid-run corrections beat long recoveries.

    ✅ Test fueling and cadence in training, not on race day — everything is personal; experiment, measure, repeat.

    ▶️ Free 30-Day RunRX Reboot - Skill , Strength & Self-Care https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0N-GZ0AosI&list=PLDPcF8ZrDdILC8bYyn2zR-4xvqKRzp2re

    ▶️ Join the RunRX Membership https://runrx.fit/join-runrxstrong

    📱 Find us in your app store for Apple and Google — search RunRx Academy

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