When to Do Drills
For best results, perform these exercises after your warm-up (jog or run easy for 15 to 20 minutes), and preferably on a day of easy to moderate running. For the first 4 to 5 weeks, complete one drill session per week, and then increase to two weekly sessions for the remainder of the season.
More: 10 Running-Specific Strength Training Exercises
Where to Do Drills
Although you can perform these exercises almost anywhere, it's best to find a track or athletic field with a softer surface to reduce impact. Wear flexible, lightweight shoes to accentuate plantar flexion and power through the prime movers (hamstrings, glutes, quads).
Athletic drills have been used for decades to improve coordination and form, prevent injury, and increase stability and power. They're also great to break up the monotony of your day-to-day training. These four low-impact drills will improve balance and ultimately increase stride length without reducing cadence.
More: 5 Core Exercises That Increase Stability and Running Efficiency
Lunges
Lunges strengthen the quadriceps and hamstrings, and improve proprioception and balance.
- Stand with feet together and your hands on your waist.
- Step forward 2 to 3 feet, then lower your rear leg to create two 90-degree angles—one with the rear leg and one with the front leg.
- With the majority of your weight on your front leg, stand up and bring your feet back to the starting position.
- Step forward with the opposite leg and repeat the exercise.
Start with 6 to 7 lunges on each leg. Work up to 10.
Key Tips for lunges:
- Make sure the shin of the rear leg stays parallel to the ground, and keep your back leg off the ground.
- Don't let the knee extend past your foot—this will cause strain on the patella.
