Can better flexibility make you a faster runner?
961058
I think it does. With stretching out before doing any physical activity you can improve your ability to play the sport. So, I guess in some ways flexibility can help, depends.\n:)
618146
I think you are right; it isn't fair. For distance races you are probably going to pass people on the curve anyway but it DOES matter like you said. I think it matters a lot in the 4 by 4. I always hated running the 2nd leg because I would have to run a couple extra feet and it would add on to my time :(. But just try not to worry about it because you are going to end up running a few extra feet anyways if you want to pass someone. God luck in track!
704083
To really improve your flexibility you need to stretch AFTER the workout, when your muscles and tendons are all warmed up.  There is a lot of discussion about whether stretching really helps before exercise.  \n\nThere are many routines that can work, find one that you like and will do on a regular basis.
1173206
Well I would imagine that anything that helps you run faster is a good work out so try running more. See if you can get faster. Also, watch what running backs do while running. They are constantly dodging would-be tacklers, so it might be good to have a few of your friends try to catch you while you are running.
1156482
I went to college to answer this very question. My professor said the key is to simply run faster. Obviously it is more complex than that but the idea is correct. Work on increasing your speed in intervals once or twice a week test you race pace once a month or so... Recover well before these harder training sessions. Recovery is most important! Running longer distances than your race will not increase your speed but it will increase your endurance. best of luck!
821329
To be frank a strong lower leg in sprinting doesn't exactly help much. What is needed would be fast-twitch muscles within your legs and no matter how scrawny or bulky they might seem, as long as your body acquires these 'twitches' and you have a central nervous system that responds extremely quicky, you're probably cut out for sprinting.\n\nMainly if you notice, the hamstrings, gluteals and quadriceps are more loaded with power. Having an upper body that's big helps to stabilise the full motion of the running technique (fluidity) but otherwise it's the relaxing and the perfect execution of your sprinting motion that counts.
1079637
Interval training is a good way to improve running times.  It's easiest to do speed play on a track, if you have access to one.  You can start with a simple one lap fast, one lap recovery.  And repeat.  Once you get the hang of that, try 2 laps fast, one lap recovery.  Then 3 laps fast, one recovery and finally 4 laps fast, one recovery.  Don't forget to warm up and cool down.\n\nIf you don't have access to a track, you can use some other measured flat course or a treadmill.  Another way you can do intervals is by time, like 1 minute fast, one recovery, etc.\n\nHill running is also kinda like speedwork in disguise.  Try to maintain your speed when running up a hill.  That will help you to run faster.\n\nRunner longer can also help you to run faster.  One long run per week would be good.  A good guideline to avoid injury is to increase your distance by 10% per week.  If you regularly run 5K, a long run up to 10 miles would be good.  Keep the pace slower on the long runs, but you will find that it will help your speed on shorter runs.
1084242
As you grow and get bigger and stronger your time will improve. You can also improve your running mechanics.  Work on your start, and work on strengthening your legs.
310426
it may take more then a week, but stretch daily, especially before and after you excersize. Push yourself a little further each day and you will become more flexible
499329
They sell a parachute for sprinters to help them run faster. The NFL uses them. You can get them at EASTBAY I believe. it will strengthen your legs and increase your times (err...decrese your times, you know what i mean). They work well. Do not forget to do leg exercises
428656
No it does not. please dont do it.  You can increase your flexibility in less than a week.  Concentrate on a certain part on your body.   Sitting on the floor, with legs together try to touch your toes.  Notice how far you can go.  Hold it as far as you can & reach for a count of 10 and release.  Do it again but a little further.  If you cant go further keep doing that until you feel comfortable pushing it. Do this daily.  After a short while you will be able to stretch a lot further.  Try the same thing standing up (if you can keep your balance)  I used to be a cheerleader in highschool and college.  During the off time it was easy to "tighten up" again.  Keep at it.  The same concept works with arms and back areas.  Good luck.
953231
Speed and flexibility count.
803009
yes- that is quite a good idea. you can alsoe try warming up for the first 5 minutes. then you can start pacing yourself in the next 5 mins. run flat out for the next 5 mins. then stand up while running fast for the next 5... then do your intervals as you please. good luck.\n\ndnt forget to stretch b4 and after- so that you'll wont be prone to accidents.
516077
To improve ability, vary workouts.  Make sure besides sprinting you do distance or vice versa.  Furthermore, get in weight training and some stairs or hills runs as well for stamina and strength.  \n\nThe day of the meet, make sure you eat breakfast but not too close to your running time.  Jog around and strech it out so you are ready to go (loose muscles).  Good luck.
900095
I am doing lots of endurance leg weight work, to prepare. And long faster runs, of like 6-8 miles but like a minute slower per mile than my 10k race pace which will help in the shorter track distances.
776937
Just move yr legs faster.
641112
I great way to improve your speed is to invest sometime and \nresearch in fast twitch muscle exercises, and plyometric training.  Combined with your regular football workout witch I imagine consist of at least basic football powr lifts like bench, squat, and deadlift.  adding these typ of exercises to your routine helps develope explosion and muscle response.  Another thing you may want to look into is proper running technique.  Running with proper technique can greatly improve your speed.  If your looking to improve your 40 time its great to know what stance give you the most explosive start, and what exercises help you increase your stride length and repition.  If you want information on these I would suggest looking up sprinter workouts for 100 meter and 200 meter runners or even consulting your local highschool or college track coach, you can even try to find some camps that specialize in speed training.