Top Three Runner Questions

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Top Three Runner Questions

Questions:

  1. Why am I doing this
  2. Am I too old to be doing this
  3. Should I just give in

😂😂 I’m not feeling very inspired as the cold weather arrives

Answers:

  1. because it makes you a better person, 2. you’re never too old, 3. Never give in.

Questions:

  1. Will my ankle ever be 100% again?
  2. Can I gain 12lbs of muscle and maintain my speed?
  3. Can I make it 4+ laps on a backyard ultra if I struggle with 10 miles on the street?

Answers:

You have some experience.

  1. Ankles are complex joints. Sometimes they heal if given enough time and love, sometimes you need more active intervention, but you can always find a ‘new normal’ post injury that lets you pursue your sport.
  2. As you know it takes more energy to move more mass, but the other side of that coin is that being stronger makes you better able to handle the stresses of distance, I’ve always had surprising results by focusing on core strength instead of just miles.
  3. Focus on what you need to do today to be where you want to be tomorrow. Commitment and patience always win.

Questions:

  1. Best ways to avoid injury?
  2. Best cross training exercises?
  3. How do I improve my diaphragmatic breathing while I run?

Answers:

  1. Listen to your body, embrace recovery and rest, stay flexible.
  2. It’s a personal decision but core strengthening is what you are aiming for.
  3. Maybe try working in some breathing meditation to practice in a guided session while not on the run and then bring those techniques to your running.

Questions:

  1. How to improve pace
  2. What weight exercises to do in the gym to improve runs
  3. How often to run 5km

Answers:

  1. structured training, coaching and speedwork
  2. Core strength, and flexibility.
  3. Depends on your starting point and what your goals are.

Questions:

  1. Is okay to run while I’m still struggling with hip and leg and lower back issues.
  2. How can I safely my recovery process
  3. With two months not running when is right time to consider incorporating my training plan

Answers:

It sounds like your biggest challenge is your own ferocity. I would recommend a coach that could keep you from doing too much. Consistency over time will give better results than smashing yourself with hard training. (I suspect you already know this) Often, as you say, Doctors are non-specific and will recommend inactivity and painkillers/ant-inflammatory – not very useful. Instead try a massage therapist or physio that works with athletes.

  1. it really depends on the injury, you need to have a long view, get a good diagnosis and see if ‘active recovery’ is possible.
  2. Again, take a longer view, get a good diagnosis and plan your recovery with the same enthusiasm that you approached your training with.
  3. Don’t try to jump right back in where you left off. Start by building your base and strength. Slowly ramp.