Socorro speed school designed to improve running mechanics

Runners work on their form at Socorro’s speed school that is designed to improve mechanics.
Russell Huffman | El Defensor Chieftain photos

Socorro athletes looking to get faster are urged to attend “speed school” during the month of June on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the high school track.

“It’s going to be about teaching how to run correctly and with good form,” Socorro boys track coach Cody Lee said. “We are going to teach our athletes how to use sound mechanics and the right positions for when they are running.”

It’s a proven science and with each pointer learned, there is always another to help a sprinter refine their form. The younger a runner is the better their chances at getting faster.

“The younger kids are a blank slate, and they haven’t picked up any bad habits. They’re a lot easier to teach,” Lee said.

Socorro speed school athletes stretch out before starting their Thursday workout.

The school also falls right in line with Lee’s summer track program.

“The important thing about the summer is to keep up the interest and keep the kids competing because there’s not too many kids like we have out here. This is rare to have this many kids that care about track. They do it because they do want to get better,” Lee said.

Some runners like Ruben Gonzales are out running track at the encouragement of his parents to pick up a sport.

“I want to get out here and get faster, hopefully beat Braden in one thing,” Gonzales said.

He’s referring to Braden Mounyo, who is Socorro’s reigning hurdle specialist after winning gold and silver at the state track and field meet this spring.

Mounyo isn’t resting on his junior laurels and the incoming senior has a little advice for his fellow runners.

“There’s always room for improvement,” Mounyo said.

That’s the same attitude coach Lee carries and as he sets up a series of sprints for his athletes, he has three runners going against Mounyo who is the only athlete with a hurdle included in his lane.

“Speed school is about learning to be efficient as a runner and having correct form to get yourself leaning forward into running in a downhill position,” Lee said. “We will get you running faster. It doesn’t matter what sport you are playing because if you are using good mechanics, you will be faster.”