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How to Get Faster at Running in Two Days

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By Tanya Wyr
How to Get Faster at Running in Two Days
Running faster may just require a few adjustments to your current stride. It is more efficient to quicken your stride than to lengthen it to up your running speed. It's also safer and better for you. By replacing a few old habits with a new and improved running style, you can almost immediately speed up your pace.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Get Faster in Less Time

Things You'll Need:
  • Running shoes Running clothes A quiet street or track to run on
  • Running shoes
  • Running clothes
  • A quiet street or track to run on
Step 1
Landing on your heels will only slow you down. Every time your heel strikes the ground, your foot is out in front of you crashing to the ground and breaking your speed with every step. It is also very jarring to your body and unnatural. Try to run barefoot with a heel strike, you'll see that it's almost not possible and, therefore, not the way we were meant to run.
Step 2
Land on the mid-foot/ball area of your foot. By doing this you will also land under your own center of gravity, not in front as in heel striking. This will give you a light and springy step. Your cadence will also quicken as you can't over-stride (take too big of a stride) when you land mid-foot and under your own center of balance.
Step 3
Think of fast, light steps. This will also quicken your stride and keep you from over-striding. You will instantly get faster by increasing your cadence. It is much more efficient than over-striding to increase speed. Over-striding also leads to more injuries, so keep your steps fast and light.
Step 4
Practice your new running form. It won't take long to make it your own. Soon, it will be second nature and you won't have to think about it all of the time. You will also find new enjoyment in running because there is much less impact, increased speed and less chance for running injuries.

Tips & Warnings

 
Change your form by partaking in a few short training sessions a day instead of one long one. Use lightweight, flexible training shoes to practice your new style at first.
 
Change your form by partaking in a few short training sessions a day instead of one long one.
 
Use lightweight, flexible training shoes to practice your new style at first.
 
Don't do long-distance running until you are totally comfortable in your new style of running. You may feel some initial calf soreness that should go away in time.
 
Don't do long-distance running until you are totally comfortable in your new style of running.
 
You may feel some initial calf soreness that should go away in time.

About The Author

Tanya Wyr has 12 years experience as a professional writer and editor both in print and online. She has written for major retailers such as Wal-Mart, Macy’s and Mervyns. Wyr has also edited college-level textbooks. Wyr earned a B.A. in political science from the University of Minnesota in 1991.
Write for Trails.com

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