Q&A for How to Teach Kids To Run Faster

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  • Question
    How can I help my child run faster?
    Francisco Gomez
    Francisco Gomez
    Fitness Coach
    Francisco Gomez is the Head Coach at the FIT Potato Gym, a training gym established in 2001 in the San Francisco Bay Area. Francisco is a former competitive runner who helps endurance athletes train for major marathons like the Boston Marathon. Francisco specializes in Injury Rehab, Flexibility, Marathon Training, and Senior Fitness. He has a B.S. in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology & Running.
    Francisco Gomez
    Fitness Coach
    Expert Answer
    Make sure they stretch their hips, hamstrings, quads, and calves to help loosen them up.
  • Question
    Why do we stop when we get tired?
    Michele Dolan
    Michele Dolan
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Michele Dolan is a Fitness Trainer based in Sidney, British Columbia. She has been a personal trainer and fitness instructor since 2002, and was certified as a Personal Trainer by the British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA). Michele is also a Registered Clinical Counselor, and uses her 20+ years of fitness coaching experience to help clients understand their mind-body connection. She is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Certified Clinical Counsellor (CCC), certified by the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. In her work, Michele uses the tools of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectic Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. She practices and teaches mindfulness and acceptance in all of her coaching work. She holds a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology.
    Michele Dolan
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Expert Answer
    We stop when our bodies have used up our fuel supply. One type of energy gets used up in the first 1-3 minutes of vigorous exercise and then there's the next energy supply which lasts longer but is based on getting enough carbohydrates stored up as fuel. Training and good diet will help you extend your energy levels.
  • Question
    How do I become a fast sprinter and a long distance runner at the same time?
    Michele Dolan
    Michele Dolan
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Michele Dolan is a Fitness Trainer based in Sidney, British Columbia. She has been a personal trainer and fitness instructor since 2002, and was certified as a Personal Trainer by the British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA). Michele is also a Registered Clinical Counselor, and uses her 20+ years of fitness coaching experience to help clients understand their mind-body connection. She is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Certified Clinical Counsellor (CCC), certified by the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. In her work, Michele uses the tools of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectic Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. She practices and teaches mindfulness and acceptance in all of her coaching work. She holds a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology.
    Michele Dolan
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Expert Answer
    Sprinting and long distance running are completely different and require different types of training. If you have the time and energy, you can train for both but it may be better to focus more on sprinting during one season, for instance, track season and focus more on distance during cross country season. Be sure to get proper nutrition and coaching for both good sprint technique and long distance technique.
  • Question
    What is a sprint workout?
    Michele Dolan
    Michele Dolan
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Michele Dolan is a Fitness Trainer based in Sidney, British Columbia. She has been a personal trainer and fitness instructor since 2002, and was certified as a Personal Trainer by the British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA). Michele is also a Registered Clinical Counselor, and uses her 20+ years of fitness coaching experience to help clients understand their mind-body connection. She is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Certified Clinical Counsellor (CCC), certified by the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. In her work, Michele uses the tools of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectic Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. She practices and teaches mindfulness and acceptance in all of her coaching work. She holds a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology.
    Michele Dolan
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Expert Answer
    A sprint workout usually involves running at top speed for a short distance, jogging or resting for a bit and then running at top speed again, repeating this cycle. The distance can vary depending on the event you are training for.
  • Question
    How do you run faster?
    Michele Dolan
    Michele Dolan
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Michele Dolan is a Fitness Trainer based in Sidney, British Columbia. She has been a personal trainer and fitness instructor since 2002, and was certified as a Personal Trainer by the British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA). Michele is also a Registered Clinical Counselor, and uses her 20+ years of fitness coaching experience to help clients understand their mind-body connection. She is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Certified Clinical Counsellor (CCC), certified by the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. In her work, Michele uses the tools of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectic Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. She practices and teaches mindfulness and acceptance in all of her coaching work. She holds a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology.
    Michele Dolan
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Expert Answer
    Learn good techniques from a coach and train the explosive muscles with jumping and running practice.
  • Question
    How do you improve your speed?
    Michele Dolan
    Michele Dolan
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Michele Dolan is a Fitness Trainer based in Sidney, British Columbia. She has been a personal trainer and fitness instructor since 2002, and was certified as a Personal Trainer by the British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA). Michele is also a Registered Clinical Counselor, and uses her 20+ years of fitness coaching experience to help clients understand their mind-body connection. She is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Certified Clinical Counsellor (CCC), certified by the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. In her work, Michele uses the tools of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectic Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. She practices and teaches mindfulness and acceptance in all of her coaching work. She holds a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology.
    Michele Dolan
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Expert Answer
    Running faster means training the explosive muscles. Add jumping exercises to your training, 3 times per week.
  • Question
    How do you do sprints on a treadmill?
    Michele Dolan
    Michele Dolan
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Michele Dolan is a Fitness Trainer based in Sidney, British Columbia. She has been a personal trainer and fitness instructor since 2002, and was certified as a Personal Trainer by the British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA). Michele is also a Registered Clinical Counselor, and uses her 20+ years of fitness coaching experience to help clients understand their mind-body connection. She is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Certified Clinical Counsellor (CCC), certified by the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. In her work, Michele uses the tools of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectic Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. She practices and teaches mindfulness and acceptance in all of her coaching work. She holds a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology.
    Michele Dolan
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Expert Answer
    Treadmill sprints are tricky because the treadmill responds slowly. You can program some treadmills to automatically increase speed or incline or you can increase the speed/incline manually with the controls.
  • Question
    Why do I get tired very quickly?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    It could be that you're dehydrated, or that you don't have enough nutrients in your body, or that you aren't getting enough sleep, or that you have an illness. Try drinking plenty of water, eating healthy foods, and going to bed early. If you're still tired, see your doctor.
  • Question
    How do I get my legs to become stronger?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Riding a bike, or scooter can help. Run, do trampoline jumps, do exercises targeted to legs.
  • Question
    Why is a younger kid faster then me?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    They likely run more in their daily life and are in better shape. It has nothing to do with age. It's mostly about practice, and in some cases the amount of energy the person has. Sometimes being short and light can help a person move quickly as well.
  • Question
    Why do I get tired easily?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    It's normal to get tired easily if you aren't in the habit of running. The more you practice, the more your endurance will increase.
  • Question
    What should I do if I don't have an adult to help train me?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Train yourself! Find an age-appropriate running plan online. See if you can recruit a friend to help time your sprints and kneel on your feet for sit-ups. You don't really need an adult to get fast -- it's your own effort that counts!
  • Question
    How can I run easily if I have asthma?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Do breathing exercises and stretches to prepare yourself. Check out this article on How to Exercise With Asthma.
  • Question
    My daughter is unable to run properly - she is scared of running and does not know why. What can I do?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Get a running course and run around to teach her how to run. If that doesn't work, then go to the doctor and ask for help with a recommended therapist, for it is likely a mental stumbling block.
  • Question
    Where do I get the equipment mentioned in the article?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You can get most of the equipment from sport stores or online. Some large supermarkets, such as Target and Walmart, may also carry some of the equipment.
  • Question
    What tips can you give me if I want to win a race?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Make sure you are prepared before the race. Stretch thoroughly. Warming up is also important, doing a little running (don't tire yourself out) is good 10 - 15 minutes before the race.
  • Question
    My kidney and stomach seem to be pain while I am running. Why is that?
    WikiHowUser20170531145154
    WikiHowUser20170531145154
    Community Answer
    You're most likely are not breathing out enough while running. This results in built up carbon dioxide in your lungs, resulting in a cramp. The best way to counteract this is to make sure you are breathing back out everything your breath in. Pinching the area of the cramp gently can help ease the pain during running. But it's best to not let that happen in the first place by starting off your run slowly and breathing out. Obviously, if you make changes and are still experiencing pain, see your doctor to rule out any other issues.
  • Question
    What is a girl's push up?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    It's when you put your knees down on the floor instead of your feet. It is best called modified push-up because girls don't have to do this kind of push-up and it's a sexist term that's rather outdated.
  • Question
    How can I become the Flash in real life?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You can't become a fictional character. You can only pretend.
  • Question
    What other exercices can I do to run faster?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Core exercises. You'd be surprised what an important part of running your abdomen is! Core exercise helps your posture, which ultimately makes you run faster. Your core includes your pelvis, lower back, hips, and abdomen.
  • Question
    How far should I run?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    It might be easier to aim for a time rather than a distance. For example, try to run for 30 minutes. You could keep track of how far you run in that time frame and work on improving that distance each run.
  • Question
    What is the best sports shoe?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    That's impossible to answer without more detail. It depends on the size and shape of your feet and the sport you want to participate in.
  • Question
    What is the best exercise for a kid?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Any type of exercise is great for kids. They should be encouraged to run, play sports, go for walks, or engage in any other type of exercise that they might be interested in.
  • Question
    I practice running every day I am 10 years old but still am not faster then my best friend I really want to win a race for sports day at my school so I really need to know
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Don't give up! Learning to run faster takes time. It probably won't happen overnight, but if you keep at it, you'll have a chance to improve.
  • Question
    What if I am just slow?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You may not ever be as fast as the fastest runner, but you can train yourself to increase your speed. Go for jogs regularly, do core exercises, and make sure to maintain a healthy diet.
  • Question
    I can run faster barefoot, am I able to do that?
    Donagan
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    Most formal competitions require track shoes, but an exception might be made for you if you ask. Some runners in the past have competed barefoot.
  • Question
    How can I run fast without resting?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Don't sprint in bursts. This makes you lose energy, and slows you down. Maintain a steady pace. Even if it is a slow one, it is ultimately faster.
  • Question
    What do I do if I have cross country tomorrow, and I'm not a good runner?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Have a good healthy breakfast and lunch and do the best that you can. You're not going to become an excellent runner overnight, so take the pressure off yourself. Strive to run better tomorrow than you did today, and be satisfied with that. Baby steps.
  • Question
    Is there any other exercises I should do besides pushups and sit ups?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Plenty! Crunches, raised knee-ins, flutter kicks, reverse crunches, bicycle kicks, toe taps, and bird dog are just a few insanely effective body-weight core exercises. You can look online for many, many core exercises that tend to a wide range of muscles.
  • Question
    Could I just run on a treadmill?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You can do that, but being outdoors is a great way to get some exercise and sun.
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