Why Runners shouldn’t do the plank
The plank is seen as a fundamental core exercise that every runner should include in their training routine. But could it be making your core less suited to the demands of running? If you have read any of my other blogs on the topic you’ll know that there is no research that shows that traditional […]
Walking in Ultras: How to train to walk faster.
Walking is typically seen as the soft option in running races, however in an ultra its often the smart option. In a hilly race even the elites walk, the difference between them and the back of the pack runners is the amount of walking and the speed at which they walk. When training for my […]
Blown Quads – how to avoid them.
Are you listening to what your body is telling you?
Like most of us I have ignored my body many times and paid the price. Early in my triathlon days I ignored shin pain until it got so bad that I could barely walk the day after a run. I stopped ignoring it when someone told me I was limping whilst running. I should have […]
Mental Strength – Have you got it?
Mental strength is a term bandied about by many runners. It is essential part of performing to the best of your ability but what is it and how can you improve it? Whilst it is hard to define and many people will have a differing ideas, my definition is that mental strength is the ability […]
Beginners Guide to Barefoot Running
So you’ve read Born to Run , devoured every magazine article on barefoot running you can find, trawled the Internet for advice on running barefoot and decided you want to give it a go. Before you throw away your shoes you might want to read this . I’m not against running barefoot and believe it […]
TNF100 – Was your training specific?
The TNF100 is over for another year and the combination of 100km with a LOT of stairs, single technical tracks and big climbs and descents caught many a runner unprepared. Two weeks on and many runners are already planning how they can come back and improve their time or finally make it to the finish […]
3D Dynamic Vertical Core Training for Runners
In the last blog I discussed the top 6 core training mistakes in developing a stronger core for running. This week I’d like to show you three far more effective exercises. The main difference between these exercises and traditional core exercises are they are three dimensional, are performed in a vertical position rather than lying […]
Core Training – the top 6 training mistakes
There is a lot of focus on core training at the moment with athletes from all kinds of sports proclaiming its benefits. The Internet is full of videos and articles from various “experts” showing you a number of different exercises to strengthen your core. Unfortunately not everything you read is correct. In fact there are […]
Strengthening your Gluteus Medius
A while ago I posted a blog on the the relative ineffectiveness of typical glute strengthening exercises such as the clam and side lying leg raises and recommended some more effective exercises. I have had a few requests for a video of these to show more clearly how to perform them so here you go. […]