A method for detecting whether a user is walking or running. The method includes detecting foot interactions of the user and outputting data from the foot interactions detected. The method includes calculating a cadence frequency based on the data from the foot interactions, and measuring a first signal amplitude detected at a first multiplier of the cadence frequency calculated and a second signal amplitude for the data from the foot interactions detected at a second multiplier of the cadence frequency using the data from the foot interactions. The method includes comparing the first signal amplitude and the second signal amplitude to determine a cadence factor, then comparing the cadence factor to a predetermined threshold. The method detects whether the user is walking or running is based upon the comparison of the cadence factor to the predetermined threshold.