5 Ways To Improve Your Running Speed While Training
Running burns a lot of calories and energy to ensure you move quickly while on the track. Speed is the primary goal of running events, and you want the best speed to outpace the competition. For any runners in training, there are methods to improve your speed and give you the edge you need while racing.
Practice Uphill Runs
Running uphill requires more energy and precision with your footing as you have to fight the pull of gravity and push your body forward with more effort. The uphill climb will add intensity to your workout and strengthen your cardiovascular system and legs. Once you show improvement in running up a particular hill, you will improve your running speed on even ground.
Use Ankle Weights
Ankle weights are a great training tool for runners; wearing them while training will improve your running speed and endurance. The added weight to your legs will help you strengthen your muscles, so you’ll need more effort to move your legs as you run. The extra effort will make you feel weightless when you run with the ankle weights off. Once you get used to a certain weight, you can move up to heavier ones.
Record Your Running Time
Many athletes track and measure their fitness goals as they train, and you should track your speed as you run. The easiest way to track speed is to find an empty track and time yourself running a full lap. Record the time, and try and beat that time the next time you run the track. The progress may be slow, but you will see significant results over time.
Practice Your Form on a Treadmill
Olympic track stars use treadmills to work on their form so they have the best chance of winning a race. You’ll want to pace yourself before running at a full sprint by starting the treadmill at a jogger’s pace and slowly making your way up to a faster speed. Bring someone knowledgeable with you to evaluate your form while you run. They should look at whether your legs are moving efficiently and your body is straight as opposed to leaning forward or backward. This method will help you gain a solid form that will increase your running speed.
Find a Racing Partner
Competition makes us perform better, and having a friend to compete with makes training enjoyable. Find someone in good shape who has decent running skills. Now and then, you should race each other. How well you do in this race will help you determine how fast you are and how much faster you need to be to beat them.
Running is an excellent form of exercise. When you have great running speed, you will have an easier time beating the competition.