Prepare to Run and Recover
Trail Running
Our ancestors developed an ability for endurance running. Running long distances for the purpose of hunting. I wonder how they prepared and recovered??
There are reports of competitive running dating back to 776BC and before. Were there masseuse at the finish line to ease their aching legs??
So running is in our genes. There’s nothing to it. Just put one foot in front of the other, moving forward at a variety of speeds. Right?
RIGHT??
"As every runner knows, running is about more than just putting one foot in front of the other; it is about our lifestyle and who we are." Joan Benoit Samuelson
Everybody`s run is different. And how we prepare for and recover from running is equally different.
What follows are my beliefs, based on my knowledge as a personal trainer and running coach. They are the things that work for me, built on my experience being physically active and trail running for many years. My observations of those around me and the comments of others. However it’s important to test things out and learn what works and doesn’t work for you.
Seagulls on the Run advise you to consult with a professional before undertaking any form of physical activity including trail running and exercises included within this article.
Prepare to Recover
The amount we run and our pace on the trails, improper running form and inadequate rest and recovery can all lead to potential injuries.
However there are things we can all do before, during and after a run to minimise our risk of injury. To prepare for our recovery. Eating a well balanced diet, cross training, stretching and massage, focusing on proper running form, allowing time for recovery and treating injuries can all assist. And a lot of what we can do before a run to prepare our body, can also be done after a run to help it to recover.
“Prior preparation prevents piss poor performance”
I will share with you the things I do to prepare my body for running, to improve performance and promote recovery.
But remember, recovery is not a race. You don’t have to feel guilty if it takes you longer than you thought it would.
Running Technique
How you run can have a huge impact on the prevention of injury and recovery. Simple things like alternating your takeoff and landing feet to avoid one leg becoming dominant. Landing lightly preferably towards the mid/ball of the foot. Running in an upright position with your head up, shoulders back and hips forward.
Check out Stuff You NEED to Know for more running tips or contact me directly to discuss how I could help.
