Run Smart: 2 Tips for All Runners

Here are some thoughts on being a smart recreational runner!

People often ask me, “Are we ALL biomechanically designed to run?”

There’s so much hype in the media about running and whether or not it’s good for you, so I certainly understand people’s curiosity.

That’s not an easy question to answer, though.

All of us have different bodies, so it’s not likely that Michael Phelps would have turned out to be a wrestler, right?

Studies show that people who are genetically gifted and built to run have greater success. Typically they run sustaining fewer injuries than those who do not have those genetically ideal bodies. This is probably true across the athletic board.

However, while genetics do play a certain role, if you enjoy running and you haven’t won the genetic lottery, here are two important things to remember.

1. If you’re one of the millions of runners who takes time off every year to heal injuries, only to get re-injured, please listen up.

Research clearly shows that if you’ve been injured before, you are at an increased risk to get injured again!

Getting injured means that you’re not doing something right.

You have biomechanical issues that need to be addressed. Get help so you can get back on the road and stay there.

You might need soft-tissue work, mobility training, movement coaching in the form of running technique corrections, strength training, or stretching to address the underlying issues.

It’s important to fix what needs fixing, and not pretend that time off is the answer. That’s rarely the case.

2. If you are a beginner and just starting to add running to your health and fitness lifestyle, or if you’ve run before and are starting to run again, make sure you add mileage gradually.

How many miles you run, and in particular, adding mileage too quickly, is directly related to getting injured.

The further you run, the more your biomechanical flaws will surface. Be smart about adding mileage and stay healthy.

Use these two tips and stay out there running longer and stronger than you ever thought possible!

shelli