Rhythm is a dancer and also apparently a runner

As Snap! once declared back in the early 90's Rhythm is a dancer, but it also turns out it is a runner too well nearly. During my visit to the docs last week we not only discussed exercises for my knee but also cadence or steps per minute (SPM).

ca•dence
pron. (ˈkeɪd ns)n.v. -denced, -denc•ing.
1. rhythmic flow of sounds or words.
2. the beat, rate, or measure of any rhythmic movement.
3. the flow or rhythm of events
4. a slight falling in pitch of the voice in speaking.
5. a sequence of musical chords moving toward a harmonic point of rest or closing.
6. to make rhythmical.

From the definition above point 2 states that cadence is a beat, rate or measure of anything rhythmic, therefore cadence=rhythm, therefore rhythm is a runner - see not long winded at all!! So with this in mind the doc explains that shorter, more frequent strides could potentially help my knee by reducing all sorts of pressures exerted upon it with long strides. Shorter strides will keep my leg more central to my body an I won't be over-reaching and it should also improve form.

"I'd like you to count the number of times your right foot hits the ground in a 20 or 30 second period, you should be aiming at 30/45 times"

Ok I think to myself an off I go merrily on my way armed with new knowledge, an hour or so later and several Googles on I discover that in most studies elite athletes have a cadence of around 180. A little bit of maths and that turns out to be 45 right foot strikes in 30 seconds.

"But that's what he doc wants me to aim at"

Echoes around my head whilst becoming a little befuddled about the advice. So a week later and almost a week and a half since I last run I have been sticking to my stretches and strength exercises as well as having rested the knee and this after noon decide to go for a run  taking on board the advice from the doc.

Setting off I don't have a count going but just shorten my stride to what feels comfortable and manageable. Around 2k into the run the trusty knee is becoming tired and sore but not to the same extent as before - maybe this new short, stable stride affair is working to some extent? I decide to have a random stride count - 1st count 45 right foot strikes in 30 seconds! another random count a few minutes later 44 right foot strikes and again a 3rd count 44 strikes. I finish the 5.5k run with what turns out at around 176-180 cadence and a sore but manageable knee even as a write this the pain has all but subsided. so it would transpire that this high cadence, short stride thing may be my future but what does it mean in real terms........

New PB!!

.....in real terms I was quicker overall which to my surprise corroborates my earlier Google findings!! Whether it actually was the cadence that improved my time or a combination or the rest and cadence I'm not sure but I shall definitely be pursuing the theory from now on!

For those that wish to reminisce !