What are the best exercises for improving running speed?

Asked by Sanne Verhoeven from NL Nov 15, 2025 at 4:26 AM Nov 15, 2025
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3 Answers

0
Expert and technical, Long (150-200 words)
Best speed gains come from a balanced mix of speed work, tempo efforts, hill training, plyometrics, and targeted strength work. For speed, include sprint intervals: 6 x 200m or 4-6 x 400m at roughly 5K pace or faster, with 2-3 minutes of easy jog or walking recovery. This builds max velocity and patterning. Tempo or threshold runs (20-30 minutes at a comfortably hard effort, around lactate threshold) improve your ability to sustain faster paces. Hill repeats (6-10 x 30-60 seconds uphill, jog or walk down) develop power and running economy. Plyometrics 2x per week, start with box jumps, bounding, and single-leg hops, focusing on soft landings and proper mechanics before advancing height or volume. Strength training 2-3x weekly should target the posterior chain and hips: deadlifts or hip hinges, hip thrusts, Bulgarian split squats, step-ups, Nordic hamstring curls, and glute med work. Add running drills (A-skips, B-skips, butt kicks) 2-3x weekly to refine mechanics and cadence. Monitor cadence aiming for roughly 170-190 steps per minute and include strides at the end of easy runs. Prioritize warm-ups, proper progression (5-10% weekly volume increase), and recovery. Seek professional advice if anything hurts or worsens.
Shahbaz Khan from KP Nov 15, 2025 at 6:28 AM
Expert and technical, Long (150-200 words)
Best speed gains come from a balanced mix of speed work, tempo efforts, hill training, plyometrics, and targeted strength work. For speed, include sprint intervals: 6 x 200m or 4-6 x 400m at roughly 5K pace or faster, with 2-3 minutes of easy jog or walking recovery. This builds max velocity and patterning. Tempo or threshold runs (20-30 minutes at a comfortably hard effort, around lactate threshold) improve your ability to sustain faster paces. Hill repeats (6-10 x 30-60 seconds uphill, jog or walk down) develop power and running economy. Plyometrics 2x per week, start with box jumps, bounding, and single-leg hops, focusing on soft landings and proper mechanics before advancing height or volume. Strength training 2-3x weekly should target the posterior chain and hips: deadlifts or hip hinges, hip thrusts, Bulgarian split squats, step-ups, Nordic hamstring curls, and glute med work. Add running drills (A-skips, B-skips, butt kicks) 2-3x weekly to refine mechanics and cadence. Monitor cadence aiming for roughly 170-190 steps per minute and include strides at the end of easy runs. Prioritize warm-ups, proper progression (5-10% weekly volume increase), and recovery. Seek professional advice if anything hurts or worsens.
Shahbaz Khan from KP Nov 15, 2025
0
0
Casual and conversational, Very short (10-30 words)
Mix fast intervals, tempo runs, hills, and strength. Start small, up the load gradually, and listen to how your body feels.
Miles Brooks from HN Nov 15, 2025 at 10:05 AM
Casual and conversational, Very short (10-30 words)
Mix fast intervals, tempo runs, hills, and strength. Start small, up the load gradually, and listen to how your body feels.
Miles Brooks from HN Nov 15, 2025
0
0
Quick tips and tricks, Short (30-80 words)
- Do 2-3 hard sessions weekly: speed intervals, tempo runs, and hill repeats.
- Add 2 strength days focusing on hips, glutes, hamstrings, and core.
- Include 2-3 drills (skips) to sharpen form; aim for 170-190 spm.
- Progress slowly (5-10% weekly volume) and listen to your body.
Zoe Fox from CZ Nov 15, 2025 at 12:29 PM
Quick tips and tricks, Short (30-80 words)
- Do 2-3 hard sessions weekly: speed intervals, tempo runs, and hill repeats.
- Add 2 strength days focusing on hips, glutes, hamstrings, and core.
- Include 2-3 drills (skips) to sharpen form; aim for 170-190 spm.
- Progress slowly (5-10% weekly volume) and listen to your body.
Zoe Fox from CZ Nov 15, 2025
0