How to Run Faster

Running faster boosts your confidence and makes you more prepared for racing. This article will tell you how to run faster.
How to Run Faster
If you want to know how to run faster, I would suggest you to take it step by step. You can use scientific methods to help you run faster. A strong will power along with high level of commitment and a never-give-up attitude can help you achieve your target easily. Along with that, here are a few easy-to-follow tricks.

Speed Monitoring
Increase your speed by 10% every week. For example, if your speed is 13 mph (miles per hour) in the first week, increase it to 14.3 mph in the second week. If you want to know how to run faster, you should try tempo runs, which increase your aerobic capacity. Tempo runs also affect the lactate-threshold speed. You can also have an easy recovery week on every fourth week, which is a week where you run fewer miles or at a lower speed. You can run a 5K race, which is equivalent to 3.1 miles. You can also try, run faster programs such as sprinting and agility training. Read more on running tips for beginners.

Interval Workouts
You should try interval workouts. In interval workouts, one runs at a high speed for short distances. Taking a break between intervals is important as it allows you to regain strength. If you are running on a jogging track, each lap would be one interval. If you're running on the road, you can mark your intervals using lamp posts.

Running faster will make you feel uncomfortable, but you shouldn't give up. You will start panting and gasping for breath, and you may even feel pain in your legs. You must be wondering, how to run faster and longer? You can improve your stride turnover or stride frequency, which is the number of steps you take per minute of running. Count the number of times your right foot hits the ground and try to increase it. Learn something more on performing treadmill workouts.

Running on an Incline
Run faster training also includes running uphill that would build your strength. Running uphill is more interesting than running on flat ground, and also improves your speed. You can run on an incline using a treadmill as it makes your hamstrings, quads, lower back, hips, thighs and abdominal muscles stronger. Running uphill also strengthens and tones your upper body such as your arms, chest and shoulders. The steeper the hill, the more effort you have to put. However, running downhill is easier as it requires less energy. Here's something to read on running and jogging.

Weight Monitoring
Another way to run faster is by losing weight. The more pounds you shed, the faster you can run. Eating healthy food is also important as it helps you run faster. Proper nutrition means including fiber-rich grains in your diet. Running every day will not help you run faster. Make sure that you have rest days as taking rest helps you recuperate. Resting helps to relax sore or tight muscles. Resting also helps you recover from injuries. If your legs are aching, you should give them some time to heal. Read on for gaining knowledge on weight training.

Warming up before you run is important as it helps reduce the stiffness of your muscles. Warming up also loosens your muscles and makes them more flexible. You can try different type of warm-ups, such as walking on a treadmill or cycling on an exercise bike. You can also start by jogging and then gradually increase your speed.

You should cool down completely after exercising or you will feel dizzy. You can cool down by walking and jogging slowly or by stretching the major muscle groups. Now you know how to run faster, so you can run regularly, or at least four days a week. There is more to running like benefits of running exercises and you can do a lot with fitness training. Be positive and you never know, you must be the next Ted Corbitt in the making!

By Mukul Deshpande
Published: 9/9/2009
 
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