Leo Neenan In part 1 we saw how a sprinter lands on the forefoot to optimise the forward momentum and acceleration during the stance phase and suggested that this efficiency can be adapted to distance running. To do this we must look at what occurs prior to the contact phase.. In Fig 1 here we see the … Read more
FOOT – GROUND CONTACT Firstly let me say that sprinting or running does not start and end with ground contact and it is not the be all and end all of running – but we have to begin somewhere. The foot ground contact throughout the running phase is important for both increasing acceleration and maintaining momentum. We need to be generating as much forward power as possible with as little up … Read more
Unless we are thinking about sprinters and track athletes power is not something we generally associate with running. However to make sure we have a continuous momentum from one step to the next we need ouo active glutes to connect with an engaged rotating core / trunk. This type of connection is often seen golf … Read more
I get asked a lot if runners should be doing core work and if so what type? Well yes to the first bit. and to begin with, any core related work should be fine, especially if you are new to the idea. But if we want to engage our core more effectively during running we … Read more
Almost everyone creaks and groans with aches and pains from their training but a short kickstart to your mobility and flexibility early in the morning will allow your body to be warmed up for the rest of your day and into training. It can take less than three minutes if you utilize the right combination … Read more
If, like many people these days, you are desk bound for the majority of your working day the hip flexors and the lateral hip muscle complex is at serious risk of being over tight and/or chronically shortened. These have the ability to pull your lower back into extension which we don’t want but in running … Read more
Every running magazine or blog has at one point or another told you to improve glute strength for better running. And with good reason too. The Glute Medius plays a huge role in the running gait both in injury prevention and performance. Its main job in the stance phase of running is to stabilise and … Read more
There are plenty of reasons injury and pain occurs during running and plenty of areas that runners can feel pain so ideally, we should look at ways to prevent or at least minimise these common complaints. Over the next few weeks I’ll try to post some prevention exercises for the more common injury sites but … Read more
Why Do This Exercise? To help stimulate the synovial fluid production which is a natural oil for the joint. It also helps with joint mobility. which runners often lack How To Do This Exercise? 1. Cross your left ankle over your right knee. 2. Use your left hand to stabilise your foot. 3. with a … Read more
Why Do This Exercise? This exercise will strengthen the muscle that moves your big toe from side to side. This will assist in slowing the progress of a bunion deformity and help with the realignment of the big toe. How To Do This Exercise? 1. Sit on the edge of a chair with your feet … Read more