Is it true that if you put your head down, you run faster?

No. When you put your head down you waste energy and you can put yourself off balance. Running with your head down for longer periods of time can also cause you to lose consciousness.

In sprint races, runners often start with their heads down, but only for a few yards as they get off the blocks and into stride. They lower their heads at the end of a race and lean forward to reach farther toward the finish line, not because it makes them speed up. When running, you should always keep your head up and look forward.

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