“Failing to prepare is preparing to fail”. This philosophy is also true in training your body for athletic events, particularly running. Running requires tremendous effort and training to help your body become strong and improve your endurance. Therefore, your success depends on the amount of work you put into it.
However, training your body is not just about hard work. It is also about training smart and avoiding misconceptions that can harm your growth and training progress. Here are some of the most common running myths and tips for you.
Fact: Recovery is actually a vital part of your training
Recovery time is not just a simple pause in your training. It is a crucial part of your training that your body needs to perform optimally and adapt to the physical demands you are putting on it.
Using elliptical machines or cycling is an excellent alternative for short recovery runs to give your lower body muscles a break while remaining active in your training.
Runners, particularly aged 35+, should have proper recovery time and include it in their weekly training plan.
Fact: Pain is your body’s natural signal for you to take action instead of ignoring it.
Muscle soreness is a normal part of any physical activity or exercise. However, it is not always advisable to push through the pain. There is a difference between soreness due to exercise and pain due to injury.
Consult a physiotherapist or a physician if you are experiencing these types of pain:
Pain that lasts for several hours and does go away with rest
Sharp pain
Pain that occurs during the night and wakes you up.
Worsens during running activities
Occurs in the same area every time you run
Pain that progressively gets worse over time
A physiotherapist will perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine the cause of your pain and provide the best possible treatment for your symptoms. They can assess your form and identify poor biomechanics and running habits that may be contributing to your pain. They can also prescribe a training routine to allow your body to heal and correct impairments.
Fact: Running requires conscious effort to improve your technique.
While running is a great way to clear your mind, you don’t want to zone out while you run. Consciously assessing your running form and energy usage during your training can help you improve your techniques.
You must be consciously aware of where your feet land relative to your body. Experts suggest striking the ground closer to your body to minimise the mechanical stress you receive.
When your running form is compromised, mechanical stress in your joints and tendons also increases. This could lead to injuries and pain if left unchecked.
Physiotherapists are exercise and movement specialists who can improve your overall physical health and wellness. They can assess your running habits and identify bio-mechanical factors that you can improve to help you minimise your risk of injury and maximise your training performance. Visit a physiotherapist today and have your first assessment.
