smallguy wrote:
I'm about a 5'3 sophomore in high school and my times are 2:10, 5:00, and 10:55 in the 800, 1600, and 3200, respectively. (I know, I'm not quite as fast as the most of you)
But I've got a question.. does my height affect how fast I run? Do you think I'd be faster if I was taller?
You're a sophomore in high school, you may still grow a couple more inches.
As for the height vs. potential argument... height obviously is going to have some effect on max speed (bigger lever = greater potential power), but in terms of distance running ability, in general shorter is better.
The generalization you can make regarding height:
1. Longer legs = better potential max speed
2. Shorter = easier to have an economical stride (which is even more important than max speed at longer distances)
3. Shorter legs = better potential acceleration (a shorter lever can get to higher RPM faster)
Which is why the average Top 10-15-20-25-30-etc. height for 100m runners is a little shorter than, say, the 400m, but the average height goes back down again by the time you get to the 5k (and probably the 1500m, though I haven't checked.. I'd imagine height still plays some role in an event as short as the 800m).