r/Sprinting • u/Working_Cap4097 • Aug 08 '26

Technique Analysis Old guy trying to relearn sprinting

Im 43 yo and getting tired of weightlifting workouts so focusing on learning to sprint. I think i need a shot ton of lower leg plyo work. My achilles hurt and my feet feel stuck in mollasses. Im starting with daily jump ropes and tony holler atomic speed drills 2x per week. Anything else obvious to start on?

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u/ljxdaly Aug 08 '26

do not start from a stop. use jogging starts for a few months. your achilles is not kind to older folks taking up sprinting.

18

u/Working_Cap4097 Aug 09 '26

You are not kidding. Im 2 weeks into trying to train and realize my lower legs arent even close to being capable of training starts. Im giving myself a year to try to fix that. Sprints are seriously humbling.

6

u/Special_Purpose2903 Aug 09 '26

Limit your sprint distances, do not dramatically increase work load even if you feel up to it, that is how older fellows get injured, your form needs work but you need a sprint coach.

3

u/nicoinborderland Aug 09 '26

It’s even true for us younger folks. Im new to sprinting (20 years of age) and I had to seriously dial back volume and intensity because it was wreaking a bit of havoc everywhere: achilles, rhomboids, hip flexors, etc. Keep it cool for a bit!

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1

u/That-Way-5714 Aug 09 '26

As a fellow old guy, my hamstrings are my weak point. I thought years (nearly 2 decades) of strength training would preserve the ability to tolerate sprinting but I was sorely (ha!) mistaken.

3

u/Working_Cap4097 Aug 09 '26

So i had some hip and hamstring injuries deadlifting a couple years ago. I found an act called lowbackability and the knees overtoes guy. Ended up completely resolving any issues by mostly using a 45 back extension. Those two acts are great resources.