Submitted by Let’s Move Quad Cities
Whether you are a coach potato dreaming of your first 5K or a veteran runner, give your workouts some thought before heading out the door this year.
Quad City Physical Therapist Dan White, ORA Physical Therapy, says “it’s not one week or one workout that makes us faster, but working smart for many weeks and months,” which will add up to a stronger you.
Basic Training
For beginning runners or those looking to improve their performance, Dan says you should follow three basic strategies to maximize your cardio workouts.
Strategy 1: Mix it Up
If you want to increase distance, speed, and endurance over time, do not just run the same way every single workout. “You really need to mix up your training,” advises Dan. That means combining easy runs for 60 to 80 percent of the time with occasional faster workouts.
Easy means being able to comfortably carry on a conversation. Then, once or twice a week, change it up with a tempo run or speed workout. “At these levels, it’s harder to talk for long periods of time, but this is important because the increased speed is teaching your body to go further, before you feel the muscle burn of lactic acid building up in your tissues.”
For newbie runners, the goal is to build to these workouts slowly. “I tell new runners at any age to start a walk/run combination workout.
Walk for a block, then run a block, and gradually increase your distance over time. Too much too soon just results in injury and frustration,” Dan says.
Strategy 2: Strength Train
“Many runners I know just want to run, not hit the gym,” says Dan. However, strength training can improve performance and prevent injury.
Strengthening your upper body, your abdominal core, hips, and legs can ensure you remain upright and well-aligned. Slouching from fatigue and overcompensating for bad form can result in painful and sideline-inducing hip and knee injuries.
Strategy 3: Cross Train with Cardio
“Cross training is also great for new runners and veterans alike,” says Dan. Complementary workouts that include swimming, biking, or walking can build different muscle groups and prevent overuse injuries from the same pavement-pounding routine day after day. “This is especially important for new or older runners,” says Dan. Mixing in some lower-impact workouts will prevent high-impact injuries while still building endurance.
“The goal is to build your cardio strength without injuring your bones, muscles, or joints in the process.” After all, the point of your workouts is to keep moving, not end your summer prematurely on the sidelines.
Read more about how the Quad Cities are staying healthy and active by visiting Let’s Move Quad Cities at letsmoveqc.com.
Photo credit: shapecharge/iStock, Christopher Futcher/iStock