There is no question that reaching greater speed is one of the foremost goals which both newcomers and experienced veterans strive for in the sport of running. The thrill and urgency of competition remains at the back of our minds with each day as we train harder to outdo our counterparts finish time on the race track. Faster running speed is within the reach of all of us, however in order to attain this goal it is without question that a combination of regular training, hard work, persistence and deep focus is required.
Like the attention which a mechanic applies in preparing a high-performance vehicle prior to participation in a major racing event, we as runners must also prepare and fine tune our bodies in order to achieve the greatest performance. This preparation goes a long way in conditioning the muscles to a state which will help you exceed your capacity for running speed while preventing the injury and fatigue risks associated with running.
There are specific techniques you can use in training which are designed to prepare and challenge your body to remain functional, avoid fatigue and exceed your previous capacity for speed. By applying the knowledge and proven techniques explained in this article you will have the upper hand against your competitors who failed to recognize the importance of proper preparation to employ before a major running event. Let us take a look at how to achieve the proper running form in order to promote athletic success:
Proper running form relies on hitting the proper stride and body posture while balancing the amount of energy which is expended upon each step as you run. This trade of energy input and output can be attained by taking careful consideration into the motion of your body as you lengthen your stride while increasing your cadence. It is important that you remain focused upon this type of form and conserving as much energy as possible simultaneously, which is the basis of proper running form. Improper form results in over-striding and insufficient use of your body's energy resources which is sure to slow you down and cause fatigue quicker than you think. Here are more details about achieving proper form as a runner, focusing on the purpose of key body parts.
The position of your head largely dictates the rest of your form as you run, so be sure to keep it positioned parallel to the horizon in front of you. As you maintain your head's position, your neck and back will automatically fall into a naturally correct bodily alignment. When in this position you should feel as if your "running tall" with your back in an upright position which supports your form nicely. Keep your shoulders in a relaxed position while running, it is important that you ensure they are not tense or fall into a position which is near the height of your ears.
Your arms dictate a large part of your body's momentum when in motion. Make sure they are relaxed and move naturally forth and back as you run, falling just above your torso with each swing. Your legs are also powerful limbs which control your movement so make sure they maintain a flow which promotes a motion consistent and natural to the body. This is achieved through keeping your knees bent slightly with each step while landing on your heel to let the landing and pushing motion roll into the position of the toe. This type of running form will ensure that you are moving in a way which promotes the best chance of achieving top speed, endurance and agility.
When choosing a training schedule to condition your body for reaching faster speeds, it is important to pace yourself according to your athletic experience and limitations. This is a convenient aspect of the running sport which allows you to progress at a pace which is best for your physical ability, so feel free to plan accordingly. A recommended training schedule is the run exercise which entails a run of 9 minutes from your starting point to a chosen destination, then a shorter run of about 7 minutes back to the point you originally started from. Before you begin this exercise, start by warming up with a 2 minute jog or walk. You can also use this 2 minute technique after you complete the 9 to 7 minute run as a way to decrease your momentum and cool off.
Since running is mentally as well as physically challenging, it can help you to think of any major race or training preparation for a race as a smaller series of challenges rather than one big event. As a tip which may offer a means for you to approach your challenges in a different state of mind, try sectioning off specific milestones within the total destination of your running distance and time. This will help goals appear closer and you can focus on achieving them as a series of points within a whole.
With all the physical power that goes into running as you push your muscles to their limit, it is important to have a recovery plan at hand which will allow you to repair your muscles and continue to function at a rate which is competitive. After a hard run and fatigue has set in, artificial respiration is a great way to provide your muscles with the cooling they need in preparation for recovery. When they have cooled and stiffened, try applying pressure to your sore muscles. As you use this motion it will cause your muscle tissues to compress, resulting in circulatory movement which carries oxygen-rich blood from your legs up into the heart. Once this flow of healthy blood occurs, it creates a cycle of circulation needed to revive your oxygen-deprived muscles back into working order.
Motivation is key when faced with the challenge of conditioning your body and mind to run faster. In order to remain persistent and on pace to meet higher goals as an athlete, form a schedule and stick with it until you obtain results. Your goals of how many days a week you can train, how many reps of exercise your body can take and how far of a distance you can run should be realistic so observe yourself accordingly. Remember, to increase your speed requires dedicated training and gradual progress as you graduate from one level of athleticism to the next. However, running is a sport which accommodates the universal physical requirements of people from all shapes, sizes and backgrounds so finding a pace to eventually excel is not a difficult task.
Al Brown is a professional marathon runner and an expert in athletic conditioning. For more great information on running faster, visit http://tipstorunfaster.net.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Al_Brown
