What is the difference between pace and cadence

Active 7 years, 11 months ago. Viewed 2k times. Improve this question. Anthony Grist 1 1 silver badge 10 10 bronze badges. Aspirant Aspirant 5 5 bronze badges. Are you sure there is a difference? Based on the definitions of the word not limited to spinning I wouldn't be surprised if they were just being used interchangeably to mean the same thing: the speed at which you're pedaling.

I am not sure there is a difference but somebody in the class did ask him and he tried to explain both the terms.

I didn't really follow him though. And from his explanation whatever I followed , they seemed different. I think he's just making things up to sound more authoritative. Thanks for the responses Anthony and Kate. These clear my doubts. Aren't there resistance settings on spinning machines? In that case cadence is the number of repetitions you make you pedals go and tempo would equal the speed you'd have using a comparable gear on a bike.

There are many options for monitoring pace during a run. Often this is average pace or current pace. When doing interval workouts, it is helpful to know the average pace of the lap and also the current pace if it is a shorter bout of work. This allows you to determine the exact pace needed. Perhaps a long endurance run is better served with overall pace.

Using the auto lap feature generates a pace guide, although the runner may be going on rate of perceived exertion RPE or perhaps using a heart rate cap. Turning the auto lap feature OFF is a must for interval work in which data is collected in self selected intervals and can be created by using the LAP button between intervals.

Remember, the device needs to collect data as you are moving forward, so for the most accuracy on an interval, pick up the pace for steps before hitting the lap button. Cadence, heart rate and pace are three metrics that can dramatically change how you train and help you improve as a runner. This is a more difficult question to answer. The relationship between your stride length and your cadence is inverse. This means that, the more steps you take each minute, the shorter those steps will need to be if you intend to maintain the same pace.

The relationship between your pace and stride length is quite linear. That is to say, as your pace increases, the length of the strides you take will increase by a similar amount. This is where it gets interesting. There is not a very strong relationship between your pace and your cadence.

When you increase your pace, your cadence will increase, but only a little bit. In both these instances runners often compensate by over-striding. All of which will result in less over-striding at a given pace, compared to the lower cadence version of the same pace. Having trained as a sports rehabilitation therapist, James now works exclusively with distance runners, helping athletes from beginner to pro to run stronger and pain free.

Check out James' marathon training plan for beginners [PDF]. His transition into distance running has taught him what his body is capable of, a process which is ongoing! Read more Aqua Running — Beyond Rehab.