i have what people consider as a “running body,” and it’s frustrating because then people expect me to be fast. yet i’m not. i’m trying to build muscle and endurance but i don’t know how to take advantage of my “running body” and improve my times. please help.
You improve by running more.
You don't need much strength training for running but some basic body weight stuff and core exercises don't hurt.
Unfortunately, a running body doesn't mean your VO2 max is high. My VO2 max is relatively high (60) but I'm short and stocky... People comment how fast I am "for a big guy" when I race... not sure which case is worse.
Maybe you lack coordination? Do intervals at fast speeds, but not that hard as you will need to do a good amount to get coordinated and fit.
i’ve also seen online that there are exercises such as butt kicks/skips/pogo jumps and such to improve coordination.
ummmmmm wrote:
Unfortunately, a running body doesn't mean your VO2 max is high. My VO2 max is relatively high (60) but I'm short and stocky... People comment how fast I am "for a big guy" when I race... not sure which case is worse.
In order to run fast, you MUST have the engine. Having a runner's body helps but you may see people who do not look like typicial runners run crazy fast times. However, if you are lean and light with a low VO2 max am I sorry but you are screwed.
Another reason why you may not be running as fast as you would like would be poor running economy. I am a prime suspect of this. I have a ridiculously high VO2 max (65) for a female and a not bad body for running at 5'6.5" and 125 lbs. However my 5k time is only 18:41. My 3k time is a little better at 10:37. I have been told that my posterior chain is weak is evident by hips coming out of alignment, anterior pelvic tilt and frequent hamstring strains. I have been doing more strength training in hope that fixing my muscle imbalances would improve my running form. However, metabolic inefficiency is an additional issue preventing me from running fast as I would like. It takes me more O2 to run at a particular speed then it does for most people. I am like a large SUV vs a small hybrid car, as in having a bigger fuel tank(VO2 max) but with a crappy mpg(running economy). Part of the reason I suspect for this is that I generate an abnormal amount of heat when I exercise. I will run outside in shorts and a sports bra in 40F weather and not feel cold at all.
I’m a D2 female runner. Our coach explicitly told us not to visit LetsRun forums.
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