400

[Lin Stacey]

Im really wantin to run the 400 in a nice time this year. Im a 5'6" 150lb freshman runnning track for the first time (ive played football and wrestled my whole life though so natural athletics isnt too big of a problem). Right now i can run a 57-58 on a good day with a nice heat. Ive been told by my coaches that i run too much like a football player loooking for power as opposed to a sprinter, if you want to call me that, looking for speed. I know that one of my places to improve is definently the stride. Ive also heard that on your plant foot a good sprinter is looking to pull instead of push. If i could get anyone to suggest some drills/exercises to help out with those too aspects, that would be great. Also, I've got some bulky muscles in my legs that definently like to stay nice and tight. I know that that is bad one for sore muscles during the race and also for stride length. Does anyone know a nice streching "plan" or some key streches to help with the legs??

Thanks a lot!

[Natswoo]

When i used to run my coach always told me that for sprinting you should never underestimate the change that lundges can do for you.. Every morning before any type of race etc he'd make us do 50m of them.
Also when running the 400m many people take too long a stride which can slow you down as your leg locks, For the perfect stride you want your feet to be touching the floor only marginly infront of your body.