Running Cadence: Why it Matters and How to Improve Yours your cadence the number of steps you take per minute can completely change your running game. Why? Because your cadence directly affects your impact forces, running economy, and injury risk. Most elites run at around 170–190 steps per minute. But if you’re sitting below 160, chances are you’re overstriding, landing too far in front of your center of mass. That often means more braking, more pounding on the joints, and less efficiency. Here