Prep your running #neveraverage

Most of the runners I know have come into running later in life either rediscovering or discovering for the first time. Running is a fantastic way of keeping fit & active and there are loads of options to take part in "couch to 5k" programs both online or via running clubs.

Its great to see so many people enjoying the sport & taking part in parkrun on a Saturday morning, it is how most of us started!

What is unfortunately frustrating is the number of "new" runners who get injured before they reach double figure mileage and the rest - injury cycle that follows.

Most of us spend a large percentage of our time sitting - if you think about it - from the time we go to school as children, into our working life and rest time chilling on the couch – in a sitting position our hips & knees are bent & held to a 90% - this locks our hamstrings & hip flexors in a shortened position & stretches the glutes - our running muscles are in effect totally inactive when sitting – and of course over the years these muscles weaken.

We then discover running and usually cope up to 10k but pushing the distance further generally causes injury & discomfort!

So how do we break the injury cycle & enjoy our running - the smart runners will

A. look at their running technique to identify weakness & postural issues

B. incorporate a strength & conditioning program to support their running

C. be consistent with their training & progression

E. never believe the "magic shoe" magic tape" magic compression gear" myth - there is no "magic" if you want to do something well you must invest the time to learn your craft - a good decorator will never start applying paint until the area is fully prepped.

Happy Running

#neveraverage