Force is one of the most misunderstood aspects of running. Many athletes think strength alone creates speed, but force depends on how your system applies and transfers energy. Learn what actually creates force in running and how to improve it.
push phase
Why Faster Turnover Doesn’t Always Make You Faster (The Stride Rate Myth)
Many runners believe increasing stride rate will make them faster. But stride rate is not the cause of speed—it’s the result of how your system applies force. Learn why forcing faster turnover can slow you down and what actually improves stride rate.
The Real Cause of Overstriding (And Why It’s Not What You Think)
Many athletes try to fix overstriding by changing where the foot lands. AQ explains why overstriding may be the visible outcome of deeper contributor limitations involving the pushing leg, swing leg, arms, torso, and strength balance.
What Controls Ground Contact Time in Running? (And Why Quick Feet Aren’t the Answer)
Most athletes assume shorter ground contact time creates faster running. AQ explains why contact time may often be an outcome of contributor relationships already influencing the next step before the foot reaches the ground.
Why Your Foot Strike Isn’t Making You Faster (And What Actually Does)
Many athletes focus on foot strike when trying to run faster. AQ explains why foot strike is often revealing what the Sprint System is doing rather than creating speed itself. Learn what influences foot strike, why it changes as speed improves, and what actually helps athletes run faster.
What Are Ground Mechanics? (And Why Your Foot May Not Be the Problem)
Ground mechanics are not just about your foot strike. They are about how your entire body applies force into the ground. Learn why the push leg, swing leg, arms, timing, and strength balance all influence how efficiently you run—and why fixing the foot is often treating the symptom instead of the cause.
