Strength Train
There are muscles that get neglected when all you do is run and, over time, this can create imbalances that lead to injury. "Strength training will only improve performance, regardless of your sport," says Taylor.Taylor introduces his running clients to strength training by emphasizing proper execution of movements before adding weight and repetition to make the exercises harder. He switches up the exercises, and ensures that one weekly session features a load-heavy weight session and one weekly session includes circuit-type training.
Stagger your weekly strength and run workouts so that an easy run or day off follows your heavy load session, and you're not completing circuits (such as plyometrics paired with push-ups and squats) the night before or morning of a speed session.
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Identify Training Errors
"One of the top causes of overuse injuries in runners is training error," says Nicodemus. "Common errors can include adding too much intensity, distance or both too quickly, or not providing appropriate recovery between hard or unusually long efforts."Avoid these mistakes by embracing the 10 percent rule—don't increase volume by more than 10 percent each week. Make sure your training plan provides adequate recovery time between hard and long efforts, and if you're running fatigued too many days in a row, back off some.
"Preventing injury requires a delicate balance between overreaching and recovery," says Nicodemus. "Finding this 'precision-oriented' path is the number one priority."
Take a conservative approach when increasing intensity as well. Nicodemus suggests that runners define their individual training parameters in order to manage speed work effectively. Identify benchmarks at the start of a training cycle and periodically throughout it so you know you're training at the right level. Strap on a heart-rate monitor during a workout, run a time trial, or complete a race to track your progression.
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Increase Body Awareness
Running often, even daily, doesn't have to result in injury. "I believe that most of us should avoid running every day to avoid overuse injury," says Nicodemus. "However, I have observed that injury is not inevitable with daily running, as I've seen clients who train extreme miles and never overreach to the point of injury."I think the key to their success is they manage well their rate of mileage increase and how the intensity is applied."
Pay attention to your body's signals—if you experience pain, stop and evaluate the situation. Take a day or more off from running and spend the time doing pre-hab to prevent overuse injuries. "Work on being proactive with injuries," advises Taylor. "If stuff is tight, foam roll and ice so you don't get injured. Get on it right away so it doesn't happen."
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