In the old days it was thought that the more miles you logged the stronger runner you would become. We now know that this is not only wrong, but it can also have the opposite effect. Throughout many sports it is now a common theme to say that one must train smarter and not harder. For running this equates to not just running more junk miles, but rather spending less time running quality miles. Be precise with your training, have a purpose, and know when and how often to shut it down.
One of the most forgotten parts of a training plan is recovery. Most runners are so concerned with getting in all the miles and all the various aspects of training that they don’t give enough respect to the times when they are not running.
Every time you go for a run your body is put through stress and tissue breakdown. In response to this your body responds by rebuilding and making things stronger. This is how muscles get bigger and endurance increases. However, if the next time you run your body is not fully recovered you will be breaking down tissue that is still in the process of healing.
While doing this once may not cause problems, repeatedly neglecting recovery can lead to tissue damage and injury. Understanding how to assist the process of recovery can allow you to run more frequently and spend less time healing. Every person is a little different and for this reason you must figure out what your specific body requires and how you recover best.
There are many different ways to maintain tissue and help speed recovery, such as foam rolling, wearing compression garments, and having regular massages. However, the biggest key is to really listen to your body and understand what your limits are and when you need to pull in the reigns.
Join us this Saturday for a FREE Run Clinic!
If you are a runner in Southern California, you can’t afford to miss this clinic.
Details here: Costa Mesa Run Clinic
Dr Vince DiSaia is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and has provided personalized fitness training both privately and at fitness facilities. He attended Southern California University of Health Sciences. Four years later he received his doctorate of chiropractic from SCUHS with Magna Cum Laude honors. Since then, Dr. DiSaia has continuously sought out new ways to help his patients and clients perform their best. His expertise with the musculoskeletal system is greatly enhanced through his Full Body Certification as an Active Release Techniques (ART) Provider. He has been certified as a Kinesio Tape practitioner and is also a Certified Level 2 Medical Golf Fitness Instructor (CGFI) through the Titleist Performance Institute.