If you are looking for some inspiration and running tips, check out this list of articles I read and liked during the month of September. I LOVE to promote other running writers 🙂
Seven Ways to Improve Speed Without Increasing Mileage by Matt Fitzgerald of Competitor Running. We don’t always have the luxury of increasing our mileage. Work, responsibilities and family life often “get in the way” of our training. Matt Fitzgerald offers ways to improve your running speed through core training, sprint training, plyometric workouts, and hills.
4 Elite Coaches on the Importance of Base Building by Competitor.com. Elite coaches agree that the base building phase is very important in any given training cycle. It prepares the athlete for the hard work ahead and decreases the likelihood of injuries from the speed work, hills and sprints that will be done in later stages of the training cycle.
The Dangers of Overstriding and How to Stop It by Dr. Eric Schweitzer. Overstriding increases stress on your body, which increases the likelihood of injuries. It happens when you land too far in front of your centre of gravity. Overstriding also causes you to heel strike.
10 Exercises to Treat IT Band Syndrome by Jason Fitzgerald. IT Band Syndrome is one of the most common (if not the most common) running injury that affects runners of all levels. Jason shares 10 very useful exercises that will help you conquer IT Band Syndrome so you can continue doing the activity you love.
Six Plyometric Exercises for Runners by Mackenzie Lobby. In addition to adding excitement and diversity to your training routine, plyometric exercises help you become a better runner.
Weak in the Knees? Strengthen Your Hips by Matt Fitzgerald. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) is a very common knee injury affecting runners. In the past, it was believed that knee injuries originated at the knee. However, recent research indicates that we need to look higher and see the big picture. There is a direct correlation between hip abductor (such as the gluteus medius) weakness and knee issues. Therefore, when you strengthen your hips, you decrease the likelihood of knee problems.
Five Essential Strength Training Exercises for Runners by Linzay Logan. Since running is an activity that involves the whole body, it makes sense to do exercises that strengthen the whole body, not just the legs. Examples include: pushups, planks, lateral step-ups, lateral lunges, and Bulgarian split squats.
Strength Training Circuit for Distance Runners by Mario Fraioli. This article discusses eight exercises that will help you gain strength and balance out your body (so it doesn’t look like all you’re doing is training your legs). It will also decrease the likelihood of an overuse injury. With these exercises, you don’t need any fancy equipment. Examples include: pullups, single leg deadlifts, pushups, planks, hamstring curls, burpess, squats, and dips.
Strength Building with the Jump Rope Redux by Duncan Larkin. There are many benefits to jump rope exercises. Jumping rope helps strengthen your glutes, calves and quads. Additionally, it helps strengthen your Achilles tendon and plantar fascia.
What Dehydration Does to Your Running Performance by Karl Gruber. Proper hydration is very important for runners and can be the difference between bonking and running a personal best. This article also discusses that “over-hydration”, known as hyponatremia, is also a bad thing. “Finding the right balance for you between dehydration and over-hydration is something you will learn as you continue to consistently run”.