Long Track Conditioning

973 Words2 Pages

In track and field there exists a substantial number of events requiring intensive conditioning for the utmost proficiency in power/endurance and technique. More specifically, in the short distance track events (100-400 meters), the athletes that excel in these events in the olympics are considered almost superhuman with their ability to reach such high speeds. Therefore it is quite evident as to why I was drawn to the short distance track events. When I first started attending track practice I participated in various events such as long jump, javelin throw, and the short distance sprinting practices. I even participated in the long distance practices to see if I could demonstrate good cardiovascular conditioning. That failed miserably. It became evident that I was not very talented at the throwing, jumping or long distance events and my track coach observed this. She suggested I stick to the sprinting events and focus on training my naturally advanced fast twitch muscle fibers which were responsible for quick, explosive movements. I came to understand that I should take advantage of my natural talent, but in order to be a sprinter it required more than merely inherent talent.
It became …show more content…

For instance I learned different techniques such as bounding, an exaggerated and explosive training method which is important when it comes to increasing stride length. I also learned another technique called, “cheek to cheek,” wherein a runner keeps their elbows at ninety degrees, and runs while bringing their hands back to their glutes and up to their cheeks. This sprinting technique is a necessity for running efficiency. Without these running techniques such as stride length and arm movement I would not have had developed the proper running form required in order to implement effective

Open Document