Run Like The Wind

Run Like the Wind

In looking at all the sports of the world, from my personal observation about ninety percent involve some sort of running. Along with that, good running skills should be applied to get the maximum potential out of the position of play in the various sports. There are many classifications of runners such as "ugly runners", who swing their arms all over the place, and "short runners", who don't use their arms enough and look like a turret gunner on a tank. Those who wish to be successful in their sport strive make themselves "good runners". What makes a good runner? The phrase "good runner" can be broken down and further extended upon. The word good is defined in Merriam-Webster Dictionary (2006) as "of a favorable character or tendency". The second word, runner is defined also in Merriam-Webster Dictionary (2006) as "one who runs". With the proper body technique, strength, and mental toughness it will help mold anyone into the runner they want to become.

First, the most common mistake that is made by anyone who runs is simply that they just don't know how to properly do so. The technique involved can be very complex and tedious for the style of running being mastered. It can be very complex because the thought process involved can be overwhelming and a lot to take in all at once. This will eliminate any classifications of "ugly and short runners." Each sport has its' specifications for running. Football requires staying low in the trenches and a straight up and down form in the open field. To become a technical runner (having a special and usually practical knowledge of a running) ,one must practice form to mold a mental position in the body. It all starts slow and simple, getting the angles and leverage points to become a natural reaction. In a race, a straight back and arms driving forwards makes the body stop rotating, this helps to run faster. The arms need to be a 90 degree angle from the elbow and kept in a motion of "cheek to cheek" while still moving the legs. With the power arm motion it will practically move you legs by itself. Generating good leg movement is a good thing to work on. Keeping front side mechanics is vital to proper running. This means having all of the leg motion in front of the body not allowing the leg to fall behind, even when fatigued. Keeping the knee high and legs straight to increase the stride length which makes for faster running. With this proper form the potential for a person to run in acquisition to speed and endurance will greatly increase. This is an entry level point to what really it really takes to blossom as a runner.

Second, talent alone can't get everyone through the likes of an athletic competition. This is where strength and conditioning play a part in the success of many professionals. One of the largest areas of time and money of the athletic consumer is spent particularly on the strength and conditioning. If people have enough of money, they hire a personal trainer to give them a workout plan to become what they wish. Others just go on what they know or have researched. One thing my coaches always said was, "You can't get fast before you get strong". In other words, the muscles can not contract and retract any