Can my stride figures be correct?

[SunsetRunner]

Hi,

I'm hoping someone here can help me. I've been thinking my numbers have been off, so I decided to measure my stride. I don't even know if I did this when I first got my Fitbit One three years ago, so I may have had the default numbers.

Here are my stats that I used:

5,091 steps

3.01 mile walk = 15,892.8 feet

5,091 divided into 15,892.8 feet = 3,139 feet, thus equalling 3.76 stride.

Can this be right? I followed the instructions on how to do this. I am 5'5" and apparently the average stride for a woman my height is 2.2 feet. ???

Is it good to have a high stride or do you want it lower? What does knowing the stride really do for you as an athlete? I've looked online and really can't find the answers to my questions.  

Thanking you SO much in advance!
Chris

[GershonSurge]

The first question is "How did you measure the distance?"  

You made a math error. 15,892/5091=3.12 feet or a little over 37 inches. 

Just to get definitions right, stride length is two steps. Step length is one step. Cadence is one step. Stride rate is two steps. 

I always use a metronome for my "old man runs", so I know my cadence exactly. Since I use a GPS, the distance is close. I generally run the same route, so it's at least consistent if it is wrong.

At 15 minutes a mile, increasing the step length by a tenth of an inch improves the time by three seconds a mile. Increasing the cadence by one beat improves the time by six seconds a mile. I've found stride length does not follow the cadence exactly. A walker or runner can improve their times by increasing both numbers.

A longer step length is beneficial if the length is extended behind the center of gravity with the foot placement of the lead foot at or very slightly ahead of the center of gravity. The reason a person shouldn't extend their step forward is because it can cause heel problems and knee problems due to the forces that exist when the "lever" is bent too much. 

Within reason, a shorter step length coupled with a faster cadence will result in fewer injuries, but less potential for fast times. It's perfect for recreational walkers and runners who don't care about getting faster and place their emphasis on avoiding injuries.

If your step length is as long as you calculated, you are likely flexible and have strong glutes. The glutes are the muscles in the bottom of the butt. They extend up to the top of the hips, but for walking, the bottoms have the major effect.  If a person wants to extend their stride length, they should do exercises that strengthen the glutes. Not a lot of extra strength is needed, only enough for a person to learn how to use them.

Sources:

The time changes are from personal experience. I run with a metronome, so I always know my cadence. I also know if the pedometer skips steps. It never does.

Most of the other information comes from "Anatomy for Runners: Unlocking Your Athletic Potential for Health, Speed, and Injury Prevention." 

[JohnRi]

Unfortunately you cannot do what you are trying to do with the data you have.  There is no way that any app, or tracker can accurately calculate your stride length.  Step counts are probably inaccurate, distances are roughly calculated.

To set your stride length you need to find a accurate distance you can walk.  I used a 100 yard football field.  I walked the known distance 3 or 4 times and counted my steps.  Turns out each time was the same step count.  Then I used that to calculate my "stride" length. 

But keep in mind that when you walk, your stride length changes.  It depends on how quickly you walk, vs power walking.  When I power walk I take short stride steps.  The more steps, the faster the walk.  So when I stroll, or walk around 2-3 mph, or powerwalk at 4.5 mph, each stride length is different.

You are not a machine, so each step is not the same.

[SunsetRunner]

Thank you both for your advice, wisdom, and knowledge! I really appreciate it! 🙂

Walk on!
Chris