wearable metronome as a run cadence tool?
 

Based on some advice from my coach and some other running books I've been reading recently (Ken Mierke's book, and another called `Programmed to Run', or something like that) I'm looking to increase my run cadence from my normal 160 to closer to 180. This is easy to keep track of on a treadmill and I can get to 174-176 without much effort, partly because the elapsed time display is right in front of me. Outdoors is another matter, since those treadmills are heavy :)

I've been thinking about using a small metronome as a cadence aid - I have been told that musicians and swimmers (?) are known to use these, and that they clip onto your ear, or go under your swim cap. Anybody ever try one of these for this purpose?

I've never thought of it but sounds like a good thing for my wife to try. She always listens to others footsteps and gets her rhythm thrown off.

I did use the metronome and found that it really helped me a lot. Danny Dreyer (chirunning.com) is a big advocate of the metronome for pacing - that's where I learned about it. It was worth carrying & listening to the 'tick' though at times I thought I'd go bonkers. I pull out the 'nome from time to time just to make sure I'm @ the cadence I imagine I am.

I just have my mom follow me on a tricycle blowing a whistle.

I recently started using one. I found a clip on one for about $25. I think it's really helped. The other day I ran a course that usually takes me about 62 minutes in 60 1/2. It's not a scientific experiment, but it convinced me.

I liked having the beep to focus on. It took my mind off of how my legs felt.

I just go as hard as I can pretty much I feel after almost 7 years of running and training I can tell how hard I can go without moving into my anaerobic energy systems.

Not being snarky, but why not an iPod/mp3 player with some uptempo songs? Swing music can hit 180 BPM and is an absolute blast. I know running with music can seem less than hardcore, but a nonmusical tick-tick-tick/ping-ping-ping in my ear, especially at the BPM you're talking about, would quickly drive me absolutely insane.

Or if you have an mp3 player and access to some audio tools you can make your own, or download drummers' click tracks. (If you've ever seen a drummer wearing headphones while he plays, chances are he's listening to a click track to keep time.)