Hodge Podge News

im doing relay aswell as some other running evetns for my school in england (im year 9) and i was wondering if there were some good running techniques to run faster or some exercies to do + are there any specific running shoes i should get or are the k-swiss ones : http://www.dv8fashion.com/default.aspx?scid=a2GSpnDbruIad1913d&pid=QYuapPEMAzYad1913d

are those ones ok? if not are there cheap specific ones in jjb but im more keen on running technique advice

THANKS

well i used to run in relays ….

first of all make sure you warm up really well. get your muscles warmed up but dont tire yourself out. be sure to do both arm stretches and leg stretches.

when running:
get the fastest two of the four people to run first and last.

when recieving the baton:
start running and pass right to left or left to right, NEVER right to right or left to left. practise passing the baton, as it is the most important. you will also need to come up beside/diagonal each other, and no behind. before the race, make sure everyone on your team knows what to do and that there are no doubts. each missunderstanding or mess up costs you valuable seconds. hold on tight to the baton AND REMEMBER: communication is really important. when you recieve the baton say "got it" or something like that.

when passing the baton:
DONT slow down! and when recieving try and make sure you are running fast so that you dont waste time trying to get to your maximum speed.

everyone on the team must work together and practise together.

Tips for running:
use your arms
stretch out your legs
dont ’sit’ on the ground. feel as if you are flying across it.
think about where you are running to and focus on getting there.
breath in a rhythm that complements your running strides.
*if you have a lot of time in advance to practise, train your hamstrings to snap your legs in quickly. this will help you run faster.

as for the shoes, it doesnt really matter. wear good running shoes with arch support that you feel comfortable in. dont run in skater shoes or high tops (but thats common sense). before you race, be sure to break in your shoes. tie them tight.

thats pretty much all. good luck! remember, its not the shoes that will help you win the race….its you, your team and how much dedication you put in.

i just looked at the shoes. … they arent good running shoes at all. they have flat bottoms and are loose fitted. try something like nike … a propper running shoe!

GOOD LUCK!

heres a website that will give you additional tips:

http://trackandfield.lifetips.com/cat/62127/relay-race-tips/