Q&A for How to Run Longer and Faster

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  • Question
    How can long-distance runners take care of their ankles?
    Jonathan Frank, MD
    Sports Orthopedic Surgeon & Joint Preservation Specialist
    Dr. Jonathan Frank is an Orthopedic Surgeon based in Beverly Hills, California, specializing in sports medicine and joint preservation. Dr. Frank's practice focuses on minimally invasive, arthroscopic surgery of the knee, shoulder, hip, and elbow. Dr. Frank holds an MD from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine. He completed an orthopedic residency at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago and a fellowship in Orthopedic Sports Medicine and Hip Preservation at the Steadman Clinic in Vail, Colorado. He is a staff team physician for the US Ski and Snowboard Team. Dr. Frank is currently a scientific reviewer for top peer-reviewed scientific journals, and his research has been presented at regional, national, and international orthopedic conferences, winning several awards including the prestigious Mark Coventry and William A Grana awards.
    Sports Orthopedic Surgeon & Joint Preservation Specialist
    Expert Answer
  • Question
    What exercises can improve my running speed?
    Francisco Gomez
    Fitness Coach
    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.
    Fitness Coach
    Expert Answer
    Be sure to stretch your quads, hamstrings, and calves to help you feel looser and faster.
  • Question
    I can run fast, but I am tired after 15 minutes. What do I do?
    Community Answer
    Practice regularly. The more you run, the more stamina you will build. Instead of trying to show your speed, try to jog in the beginning, and increase your speed throughout. Also, stretching in the beginning can help your muscles build up more, which also increases your speed. Follow the guidelines in the article.
  • Question
    How can I run longer distances with Achilles tendon problems?
    Community Answer
    The best way is to build up slowly over time and ensure that you adequately stretch each time before running. Here is a stretch that can help you: sit on the ground with your legs bent and your feet flat. Ask someone to hold down one of your feet so that it does not move. Then, scoot back, straighten your leg, and hold the position for ten seconds.
  • Question
    How do I breathe while running?
    Community Answer
    Breathe in rhythm with your steps. For example: breathe in for three or four steps and then out for the same number of steps. Remember to breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth.
  • Question
    How do I stop my legs from hurting as much when I run?
    Community Answer
    Be sure you're running on a somewhat pliable surface, as running on concrete can lead to shin splints. Run on grass or a professional track if possible. Also, be sure to stretch out before and after every running session to elongate your muscles.
  • Question
    How do I not worry about people who are close to me in races?
    Community Answer
    Just hold your pace and focus on what is ahead of you until the time comes to make your move and overtake any of them.
  • Question
    What should be a routine for a 10 year old?
    Community Answer
    Practice makes perfect, just work on your form and leg/core/arm muscles and you will be fast in no time.
  • Question
    Should I exercise my legs by jumping rope or doing squats?
    Community Answer
    Jumping rope helps with agility and doing squats strengthens your thighs and your behind. Either exercise should help (they sure couldn't hurt!) so I'd say go for it. Make sure you look up the proper form for doing squats, though. There are tutorials on YouTube.
  • Question
    What should I do to improve my running speed?
    Community Answer
    Do some warm up exercises like jumping jacks so your muscles are warmed up. Make sure to choose shoes that fit you and are specifically for running. Ask a runner you admire for tips on improving stride and technique.
  • Question
    Is this be possible with exercise-induced asthma?
    Community Answer
    My friend has asthma, and he does track and cross country. It's hard, but it's not impossible. She usually uses her inhaler before she runs so her lungs are as open as possible.
  • Question
    How do I run 24 laps without becoming tired?
    Community Answer
    Practice a lot, and work on your breathing so that you don't become tired. If you have a coach or more experienced runner to talk to, ask them for tips.
  • Question
    What do I do if my legs start hurting when I run?
    Community Answer
    Could it be shin splints? If so, maybe try compression or try running on the grass rather than the road to reduce the impact on your shins. Regardless, it would be a good idea to talk to your doctor about this.
  • Question
    I can run fast, but I get tired easily. How can I fix that?
    Community Answer
    Go on longer runs that are probably a bit slower than you are used to; this will help you improve your cardiovascular endurance, which will help you run for longer periods of time without getting tired.
  • Question
    How do I not stop when I go over hurdles?
    Ruby
    Top Answerer
    It helps if you get ready before you approach the hurdles. Get ready to jump in advance, and you will be less likely to stop as you are going over the hurdles.
  • Question
    How come I get tired after 30 seconds of running?
    Community Answer
    This is likely because you are not conditioned. To help with this, try alternating walking and running until you are able to go a longer distance.
  • Question
    How can I go from running a 2km to running a 5km?
    Community Answer
    Do endurance exercises such as a wall sits or push-up planks. Add five minutes to your runs every week to build up gradually.
  • Question
    I run fast for my age but I get very winded after halfway around the block. What can I do?
    Community Answer
    Pacing yourself is important, as it helps the body adjust to running at long distances. Run at a steady pace, maybe one that is comfortable. Focus on breathing as well. It is also good to stretch before and after each run.
  • Question
    What other training methods can make me a fast runner?
    Community Answer
    You could try interval training (run some minutes, and walk some minutes), stairs, hills, leg exercises, and drills.
  • Question
    How do I complete 1600m in 5 minute?
    Community Answer
    One of the most important things is using various training methods and carefully choosing what training you do in the lead up to a race. Combining fartlek sessions and hill training is a great way to quickly improve strength and endurance -- a rule of thumb is to do a tough session and always follow it up with an easier session like a jog the next day to recover. In the 4-8 weeks before your race, taper down on these trainings and focus less on distance but more on increasing your race speed. In the last 3 weeks, it's important to include easier jogs. Your main sessions should be sprints focused on sharpening you up for your race.
  • Question
    What should I eat before a race?
    Community Answer
    You can eat bread or toast with peanut butter, and fruits like bananas, apples, or oranges. Lighter carbs and light proteins are best.
  • Question
    How do I run longer distances as a kid?
    Community Answer
    You can use the tips in the article as a kid. The most important thing is to practice frequently. It's the only way to build up your endurance.
  • Question
    What is a good warm-up routine if I want to run longer and faster?
    Community Answer
    Do a 10-minute warm-up before you run long distances. Also, remember to do good stretches to make your muscles relax.
  • Question
    How do I run without cramping?
    Abiola Raji
    Community Answer
    Do stretches before you start running. They will help prevent cramps. Make sure to stretch every part of your body.
  • Question
    How do I get better at distance if I am not improving in that or with speed?
    Community Answer
    Walk 1 minute, run 30 seconds; walk another minute, run 40 seconds. Continue until you're running 2 minutes and walking 1 minute. You'll get there.
  • Question
    When can I resume training after a half or full marathon race?
    Community Answer
    Rest for one week. When you do start training again, you should only do light training for about two to three weeks like jogging.
  • Question
    I think I've lost my speed from not running for almost a year. How can I get it back? How long will it take?
    Community Answer
    Try jogging a mile when you feel more comfortable with that you should probably see how long you can sprint and maybe work on your stride. Another thing that helps is drink plenty of water and stretching your hamstring. Dynamic stretching goes before static stretching when your dealing with running. You can't know the exact time it would take but it might take a few weeks it just depends on how fast, flexible, and healthy you are. You can also volunteer to join a running club that might help with encouragement and positivity! Don't give up!
  • Question
    Can I run faster by practicing for 3 days?
    Community Answer
    No, that's not a long enough time to notice any improvement. You'll have to practice for a couple of weeks before you're likely to notice significant results.
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