|
|
|
Can McHale Defrost the Wolves?
Everyone who has visited or lived in the Twin Cities during this time of year knows how ridiculously cold it can get. What almost no one can figure out in Minnesota and around the NBA is the deep freeze the Timberwolves have plunged into. Kevin...
Diving the Zenobia
The Zenobia, in the surroundings of Cyprus, is a very interesting wreck for divers to meet due to its size as well as to the good conditions in which it is, usually described as intact. The Zenobia was a ship which was sunk in 1980 after suffering...
How Can I Find The Treadmill I Want?
Treadmill ratings are published in lots of places. If you are thinking of buying a treadmill and want to find some treadmill ratings you should have no trouble. You can find treadmill ratings in consumer magazines. Look for treadmill ratings...
Pre Season Football Betting
So you want to bet the Pre Season? Or maybe you don't! But betting on pre season football can be a profitable time for bettors. The most common error is that, in betting terms, bettors treat the pre season like the regular season, when in fact...
Tips For Football Betting
How depressingly gray would be a world where everything is governed by a set of universal rules rigorously shaping everything? Isn’t it better if we strike back with a chance to confound the tweed coated straight laced brigade and weave a little...
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Implement Trail Running in Base for Injury Prevention
The shoes we run in today are great for reducing impact. There are a myriad of devices, gels, air channels, etc., designed to lesson the compressive loads on the joints and body. One drawback, however, is that if you do most of your running on even, paved surfaces the lower leg muscles and joints do not have to work as hard to stabilize. Joint stability and integrity is crucial for injury prevention. This is where trail running comes in.
Running over uneven and varied surfaces makes the muscles of the lower leg work especially hard. Think specific strength training for the lower leg muscles. I recently observed how sore my lower legs were after a competing in an off road multi-sport event. The tendons, ligaments, and muscles all get stronger in response to this type of stress.
There are a few considerations when integrating trail running into your training plan. Unless you run in off road events the best time to incorporate trail running into your plan is in base. As with any new type of training stress it is important to implement it gradually. You may want to start off with one work out per week of limited mileage and steadily increase the duration. Off road surfaces vary from crushed gravel, sand, grass, single track hiking trails, to rough back country trails. The more varied the terrain the more your lower legs and body will be
stressed. On extremely rough and elevated terrain, hiking may be just as effective (and safer) than running. You will likely enter your aerobic base zones in this type of terrain as well, and may not need to run.
Trail shoes offer more support and traction but much less cushioning. Trail shoes vary from running shoes with a more aggressive tread all the way up to hiking shoes which may not applicable for running. Make sure you consult with a salesperson to get the right shoe for your type of training. I do not recommend doing any road running in a trail shoe, but you can take your running shoes off road if the surface is relatively stable, such as crushed gravel.
Trail running does not just work the lower legs, but all the muscles associated with running, including lateral knee stability. It also will help develop coordination. You can continue to incorporate trail running throughout the season for strength maintenance. An added bonus is that it adds variety to your training, and the scenery is better.
About the Author
Matt Russ has coached and trained athletes around the country and internationally. He currently holds licenses by USAT, USATF, and is an Expert level USAC coach. Matt has coached athletes for CTS (Carmichael Training Systems), is an Ultrafit Associate. Visit www.thesportfactory.com for more information.
|
|
|
|
|
|