Would you like to learn how to run faster when you've got the energy to do so?
Many runners find themselves beaten in every sprint finish, not because they're too tired but because they simply don't know how to run faster.
Running technique drills may sound a little serious but they're actually very easy to learn and can make huge improvements to your top end speed.
Watch this short highlights clip of a running technique session with head coach, Conor Graham.
Most of the time an inability to speed up, as described above is due to a lack of strength from the muscles which lift your knees, heels and toes as well as a lack of flexibility in the opposing muscles which prevent that lift.
For example, if your calves are tight then it's going to take more effort to lift your toes. If your shin muscles, Tibialis Anterior, are weak then they're not going to be able to lift your toes.
A personal trainer may say you can strengthen and lengthen all of these muscles in the gym and they'd be right but the exercises, unless running drills in a gym, would be single joint exercises which don't really replicate what we do when we run.
How Running Technique Drills Improve Running
Running technique drills require our muscles to take their joints through a larger range of motion than running and in doing so build strength and ability to lift the knees, heels and toes just a little higher while maintaining perfect posture and powerful arm drive.
They can be performed slow so you can focus on certain parts of the drill or they can be sped up to more closely reflect the movements and timings required to run faster.
Running drills are generally lower impact when compared to running or jumping exercises. They can be carried out in a small area and lead to a challenging workout if that's what you're after.
Examples
Watch the three videos below for some examples of running technique drills you can use to improve strength and mobility for your running muscles.