Uploaded December 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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Your cadence can increase as you age…
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Here is an example of Kenenisa Bekele running at the same pace.

One takes place during the 5000m World Championships in 2009.

The other takes place during the Berlin Marathon in 2019.

Keep in mind that the paces shown were not the average pace of the race, but rather the specific splits when the footage was taken.

There can be multiple reasons behind this:

For certain runners, they may find that a slightly higher cadence feels more efficient for them.

For others, a higher cadence may be an adaptation for the decline in power/propulsion as we age (specifically in the ankle plantarflexors).

And there is plenty more to consider.

Remember that cadence can ADAPT from other factors as well.

It can adapt based on the environment you run in.

It can adapt based on your own body, like your leg length.

It can adapt based on your fatigue levels.

It can adapt based on your shoes.
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Keep in mind that this is for educational purposes only. This does not replace medical advice.

If you are looking for more professional guidance from a running expert, check out the link in my bio!

#runningmechanics #running #runningrehab