A few training questions...

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Altopia713

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Ok I have a few questions about endurance/speed running. First of all, would wearing leg weights (what kind?) while running be a possibly good idea? It seems like if you were to wear the weights when you run, then take them off during races, the races would be alot easier. Although I can clearly see the downside of it possibly hurting your muscles/bones. Especially if it were an ankle weight.

Second, I often feel pain in my ankles (front and side) after I start track season, and my ankles always pop alot. Is this normal and will it go away with time?

Thats it for now. Thanks in advance.
 
Do not weight your ankles with weight. Running with weight in general is not going to improve strength and speed to any large degree. Good Full body strength training (don't ignore your calf's), lean muscle (low body fat %) and pushing your VO2 Max is what will increase these things.

Also flexibility is an important aspect. Start doing a solid active stretching program and I also highly recommend self myofascial release with foam rollers.
This will help correct any postural distortions that could be leading to your ankle problem.
 
Thanks, the general reason I wanted to run with weights was to make it seem so much harder, because running is as much of a mind game as it is a sport, and it seemed if I made running 2 miles with weights while training would make it seem really hard so when it comes to running a 1 mile race it seems like a piece of cake.
 
I can see why you might think that way, but let it go, you don't want to bother. Your best bet is simply strength training. I used to run like it was my job, and while I got tremendously good at it, I was never great. Since lifting, I run from time to time to aid in shedding fat, and it amazes me how powerful my legs are, it is truly a great feeling! I've only been training for 3 months too, I can only imagine it will get better and better...
 
Use power training to increase leg power, Use pylometrics and training forms that require explosive concentric phases.

The best principle is specificity. Is your training specific to what you are trying to do.

As for the pain in your ankles and shins it may be calcification in and around your tarsal bones, it is common in all types of runners due to the breakdown of cartilage. It could also be due to shin splints the inflamation of a membrane in your lower leg (cant remember what the membrane is called off the top of my head) Might pay to get it checked out.
 
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