Q&A for How to Get Faster at Running

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Question

What drills make you run faster?

Francisco Gomez
Athletic Trainer
Francisco Gomez is the Head Coach at the FIT Potato Gym, a training gym established in 2001 in the San Francisco Bay Area. Francisco is a former competitive runner who helps endurance athletes train for major marathons like the Boston Marathon. Francisco specializes in Injury Rehab, Flexibility, Marathon Training, and Senior Fitness. He has a B.S. in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology & Running.

Francisco Gomez

Athletic Trainer

Expert Answer

Try sprinting at the end of your run. Incorporate a few sprints just to wake up your motor skills. That will help you condition your spinal cord and the muscles you use to run, which will help you be faster during a race.

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Question

How do I not ever lose in a race?

Community Answer

If you never want to lose, then never compete. There will always be somebody faster than you. You will have off days and you aren't always going to be the best out there. The point of entering races is to give it your best and to outdo your last best. If you happen to win over the others as well, that is a fortunate bonus. Focus on the journey, not just the ends.

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Question

How do I win a race?

Community Answer

Practice is key. You have to train prior to the race before competing. Try running a little more each day and time your progress. Don't forget to eat healthy and wear the appropriate clothing as well.

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Question

What are other tips on how to get faster, using my arms?

Community Answer

As long as your arms are in an "L" shape, are moving in a straight back-and-forth line, and you are moving mentally, you are fine. Training and staying healthy are the most important things.

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Question

Will not training for a few months result in a slower speed?

Community Answer

Yes, not training for a few months can cause a reduction in your running speed, but you can regain that speed with time and practice.

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Question

Can I get faster without training?

Community Answer

It's very hard to make much progress without training. However, making sure you have the right form and focusing on your breathing may help. If you are sprinting, focus on your starts and on taking short, quick steps the whole race. If you are running longer distances, focus on your breathing and match it up with your steps (for example, breathe in for 3 steps and out for 6).

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Question

Will being overweight slow my running?

Community Answer

Yes. Being overweight will slow you down, because you're putting more stress on the muscles in your legs that push you when you walk or try to reach a faster speed.

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Question

Are there any other stretches you would recommend?

Community Answer

Definitely do dynamic stretches before and static stretches after. Some dynamic stretches I recommend as a cross country runner are butt kicks, high knees, skips, carioca, and leg swings. Static stretches would be hamstring and quad stretches to really loosen your legs.

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