To stretch or not to stretch? That has been the age-old question for runners. The debate has gone back and forth, but the general consensus is to perform a dynamic warmup before your run and traditional static stretches after the workout. With that strategy in mind, I recommend stretching these six body parts during your post-run warmdown. I usually do these in the … [Read more...] about 6 Essential Post-Run Stretches
Flexibility
Runners: Two Videos for Healthy Feet
Although runners often focus their strength and flexibility work on the legs and core (and for good reason), the feet deserve just as much attention. Here are some excellent video tips to help you maintain healthy feet. In this first video, physical therapist Jay Dicharry demonstrates how to use “toe yoga” and “big toe push-downs” to increase the strength and coordination of … [Read more...] about Runners: Two Videos for Healthy Feet
The More You Run, the More You Need to Focus on the Supplemental Work
If running is your passion, your biggest challenge may not be finding time to run. After all, running for you is like eating and sleeping. How could you not find time to do these things? Instead, your biggest challenge as a runner may be finding the time to do the supplemental work needed to support that running. I understand. If I had my druthers, I’d rather be out for a … [Read more...] about The More You Run, the More You Need to Focus on the Supplemental Work
Runner’s Toe Touch Balance Drill
Running is effectively balancing on one leg after the other, over and over again, through the entirety of the run. Balance is therefore an essential skill all runners need to master. Perform the runner’s toe touch drill (demonstrated in the video below) throughout the day for a few seconds at a time to improve your running-specific balance. Train smart! … [Read more...] about Runner’s Toe Touch Balance Drill
Video: Balance Drills
It's best to perform these single leg balance drills barefoot. Firmly ground one foot. Think about spreading the toes and planting the little toe, bit toe and heel as three points of a tripod. This will help you distribute weight equally over your forefoot and rearfoot as you establish a solid contact point. Lift your opposite leg off the ground with a high knee so that … [Read more...] about Video: Balance Drills
