How do I increase stride length!

[dtrack28]

It's not good for young vaulters but it sounded to me like this guy was several years into college. It seems like he has had some experience lifting weights. Thats the one thing you have to be careful of with this program, improper deadlifts can lead to back problems. And yes you're right lactic acid does not eat away muscle but It doesn't allow your muscles to work their best and doesn't allow for as effecient recovery. I shopuldn't have said eat at your muscles, that was wrong. This is the same type of lifting that allison felix and several other world class sprinters have been doing to increase speed, which is exactly what many pole vaulters need. More strength, without a gain in mass...perfect. Yeah I vault at whitworth college in spokane.

[craigmtb]

Lots of great suggestions. I agree with Vtech Vaulter sprint forms are crucial (Knees high, leg extension and pull through). In addition, you may consider training with the bungee (being pulled), and/or running on a very slight down hill grade (about <5%).

[scubastevesgirly]

my dad was the slowest person ever in the world

That's so sweet of you

[rainbowgirl28]

my dad was the slowest person ever in the world

That's so sweet of you

From what I hear, he is only exaggerating slightly!

[altius]

[quote="EIUvltr"
I'm gripping about 13'9-14' on a 15' 16.5flex (180lbs, I weigh ~162)

All the advice on how to improve your stride length is very interesting and some of it may help, BUT I still suggest you look at the quality of your take off. How high is your top hand at the moment of take off /are you under or out at take off / how solidly do you hit the pole from top hand to take off toe?? I say this because an 18lb differential between bodyweight and pole stiffness is not great and I suspect this may be one reason you are left hanging over the bar at 15'6 - it could be that the energy you have developed in your run is adequate but is bleeding away into the body at take off instead of moving the pole forward.