STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING FOR GEELONG RUNNERS
Completing planned and structured strength training is essential for maximising not only running performance, but also to give ourselves the best chance at mitigating the chance of running related injuries.
Generally speaking, when a tissue becomes niggly or injured, this is most likely due to training levels exceeding a tissue’s current capacity.
Increasing the overall capacity of high workload muscles and connective tissues through progressive overload in the gym gives runners the ability to handle more of what they enjoy doing – running!
In addition to improving the capacity of tissues to tolerate load, addressing deficits in general strength can at times have a positive effect on running technique itself. Having higher levels of force production and postural strength allows runners to maintain stronger and more efficient running positions. Having the ability to hold these desired positions with each stride sets a runner up to strike the ground well with their next step, further improving the ability to get off the ground.
A sound strength training plan for runners should tick multiple boxes.We’ve touched on the importance of increasing our general tissue capacity, but this isn’t the only benefit available through strength training.
- Training tissues through greater length can have great long term effects on building the appropriate amount of mobility required in running, while reducing the negative effects of sedentary work environments outside of running.
- Incorporating plyometrics or power based movements can improve rate of force development and muscle stiffness that can further benefit running efficiency, and overall neuromuscular control and coordination.
- Improved recovery post training and event performance is a benefit commonly communicated by our clients – which only adds to the enjoyment of it all!
Most importantly, if you are going to incorporate strength training, it needs to be planned in a way that is complimentary to your running goals.
This means that certain aspects of your training plan will need more, or less volume and focus depending on the current goal of the individual runner.
Plans should have the ability to be easily adjusted during event preparation to maximise not only the effectiveness of the training plan, but also running performance and recovery.
If you need help implementing strength training to reach your running goals, come and chat to our team! Or CLICK HERE for more info
