Best Hamstring Stretch for Running Fast

by | Jul 18, 2022 | Training & Racing

If you want to run faster but feel stiff when you try – this is for you!

Here’s why:

Running faster engages your body differently from easy or base paces.

If you want to run faster, you need to open your stride.

The issue?

Most runners are too tight and stiff in key areas of their legs. The stiffness is equivalent to running with a parachute tied to your hips.

The faster you run, the harder it is to gain speed.

It doesn’t have to be this way. You can free up your legs to run faster, even when tired.

The results? The ability to run even (or even negative) splits!

Watch the video to learn how:

Here’s What to Do

Work on dynamically stretching your hamstrings and hip flexors during your warmup and cool down.

Brief holds of 2-3 seconds work best when you glide forward and back.

As you improve your flexibility in both areas, you’ll find you can open your stride and feel less stiff running.

Then, as you pick up the pace, it will feel smoother – you may even notice you can run faster with less effort.

While most runners are focused on more mileage & more challenging workouts to get faster, there are ways you can improve your speed WITHOUT training harder.

The hamstring and hip flexor stretches are just the beginning.

Head over to check out Kneed for Speed.

Run Faster Without Running More

Kneed for Speed is 4-week annual bootcamp that teaches runners how to run faster without having to train harder or run more.

The program includes:

  • Step-by-step video training for 4 weeks to improve your run form
  • Stretches & exercises to fix bad habits that stop you from running fast
  • Weekly guided audio runs that teach technique while running
  • Weekly live coaching and Q&As to answer all your questions
  • Speed & pace control sessions to dial in your pace for any distance
  • Lifetime access to go at your own pace (pun intended) or review in the future.

The best part? Kneed for Speed works into existing training plans, and the techniques are easy to learn.

Whether you’re looking to run faster or set a new PR (without training harder or running more miles), check out Kneed for Speed!

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