Do tight hamstrings make you run slower?

Question

I was wondering if tight hamstrings would make me run slower.. than if i had loose hamstrings. And when i say tight i mean really tight, i cant touch my toes at all.. and my legs are really long. Or will loose hamstrings help you run faster? Thanks

Answer 1

yes loose hamstrings make you run faster. i learned this this year. when your hamstring is tight it won't move as as fluidly as a loose one would be. so you should always stretch be fore you run swim w/e it is  

Answer 2

i've been an avid runner all my life.  i only experience super tight hams like the ones you describe when changing my fitness routine or injured.  be sure to stretch before and after running, and to warm up.  it can be a drag, i know, and i still often just kinda jog into my warm up and go from there, and stop along the way to stretch as need be.  a stretching rope may help. those are really cool.  or there are some partner stretching exercises that are great for your hamstrings.  good luck and hope you loosen up! :) i think it will ease your running. ;) maybe try cross training like swimming?