Six Speed Training Tips That'll Make You a Better Runner

Would you like to improve your running speed? If you're ready to take your running to the next level, you may be ready for some speed training. Speed training and speed drills can help you become a faster runner over short distances. There are a variety of speed drills which when done properly, can be quite effective in helping you reach your goals. There are a variety of books and internet sources that describe specific speed drills that are appropriate for your particular situation. To make your speed drills more safe and effective, try these speed training tips:

Always start with a warm-up.

You need to get the blood circulating to your muscles before you attempt speed drills. Speed drills can be quite intensive and you don't want to risk unnecessary injury which can short circuit your running.

Practice a good diet and hydration.

If you're going to do speed drills, you need to stay well hydrated. Drink at least 16 ounces of fluid two hours before your drills. Follow up with 8 ounces every fifteen minutes that you're active. After completing your speed drills, drink several more glasses of water or a sports drink. Make sure you consume a nutritionally balanced diet with sufficient carbohydrates to feed your intensely working muscles.

Don't speed train too often.

Speed training should only be done about once per week to prevent overuse injuries. On days when you're not speed training, do an easier run. You can also consider taking a day off after a day of running speed training.

Avoid speed training on a day you're sore or fatigued.

You should be free of injury and well rested before attempting speed drills. If you try to do running speed drills when you're not in top form, you'll risk injury and won't benefit fully from the drills. Speed drills require concentrated focus and energy to be maximally effective.

Watch your form.

Concentrate on maintaining good form throughout your speed drills. This will not only reduce your risk of injury but will make your speed training more effective. Learn the art of running properly. If you don't have correct running technique, you won't be able to optimize your speed.

Develop strength for better speed.

To have maximal speed you have to strength in your legs. Don't neglect leg squats and other exercises needed to develop strong muscles.

Use these speed training tips to make your running speed workouts more productive and soon you'll reach your goal of higher running speeds.