[blisterpeanuts]

More frequent steps per minute (higher frequency gait) might enable higher speeds because of more contact with the ground and less vertical motion. More contact with the ground provides more friction with which to hurl the body forward. However it also requires more energy.

I've modified my running gait to about 186 steps per minute to reduce vertical motion (about 6 cm as measured by the PT at the runner's clinic). I'm still building up the muscles to maintain this gait longer than a minute or two, though.

It would be interesting if a new and improved (or reconstructed Paleolithic) method of running is developed that would enable the average person to reach speeds of 35 MPH (56 KPH) or even faster.

If I could run that fast, I'd get rid of my car and run to work every day. They'd have to have running lanes, maybe even issue speeding tickets to runners who race through a school zone. Road rage would take on a whole new dimension, as well. The economy would be transformed as millions of cars are discarded, gasoline consumption plummets, and people become thinner and healthier.

[Apofis]

That's some wishful thinking right there, I love it.

[blisterpeanuts]

Yup I waxed a bit hyperbolic there, but wouldn't it be great?