Improvement requires hard work, sacrifice, dedication, and also knowledge. It is not enough to just train, you must train intelligently! This means you must know what your goals are, what you are trying to accomplish, and how your workouts help get you there. You need to become a student of your event. Learn everything there is to know about it and don't be afraid to ask "why" we do things. Everything we do follows a plan. Believe in it and believe it yourself and you will succeed.
YES, there IS a correct way to run! Running is just like any other activity or sport. It has its own techniques and drills and if you learn how to sprint correctly you will maximize every bit of force and talent you have. And yes, it is possible to get faster. Sprinting is not something you are "just born with", although it does help. All movement is physics. Learn the mechanics behind good sprinting technique and you can focus on them all the time, not just at practice.
Probably one of the most complex and athletically challenging events in all of sports. NEVER PRACTICE WITHOUT QUALIFIED SUPERVISION!