Hi all,
I’m 17 so I’ve left it a bit late but for some time now I have really wanted to get into sprinting and have never really done it before. So when the 100metres for sports day at school came up I went for it. I have read info on this forum and a few of Charlie’s products so I felt a little bit confident that I knew proper technique even though I’ve never really done it. I consider myself to be reasonably strong and in good shape even though I’m certainly NOT anywhere near high level sprinting. I’m pretty sure I have a muscle imbalance favouring the quads as is mostly the case with many people…I haven’t quite got a sprinters build etc.
Sportsday took place today and I ditched my clumpy trainers and borrowed my mates thin, light weight spiked Nike running shoes. There I was at the start line (grass track), I was all prepared, I set off and felt I had a reasonably good start. I think I was second place by about 20 metres and not far behind first. I then started to reach my top speed and began to try to incorporate what I’ve read from Charlie such as relaxing of the shoulders and face, appropriate bend at the elbow etc. It was wierd…I felt as if my weight was constantly slightly ahead of me the whole time and I felt unstable. By around 50 metres I stumbled and nearly fell but recovered (phew!) but I had slowed down significantly and felt I couldn’t express my top speed as I constantly felt as if I was going to fall forward so I was making a concious effort not to go too fast. Then the finish line came (YES!)…I was about 2nd of 3rd…then it happened. I really went all out and put all my effort in and then I just completely propelled forward, my body flew to the ground and I went into a roll (in front of the whole school). Everyone was laughing; it was pretty damn humiliating but I laughed it off. I came 7th in the end with a time of 14.22:(. If I hadn’t of fell and stumbled and could express my full speed I’m guessing I think I may have been able to run around 12.5.
Dear god I know this is a classic story but has anyone else had some similar experiences before/ funny stories to tell? I feel pretty bad now but instead of just thinking about it too much I have decided I want to get into sprinting proparly and begin training because I realised that whilst I was actually running half decent I was thoroughly enjoying myself and I want to progress and really give it a shot.
Not an amazing story by any means but just thought I would like to share.
Keep training, Regards,
Rob.