I can’t even count the number of runners I have treated with weak calves. This doesn’t only apply to beginners either. I have assessed marathon runners that were barely able to do 10 calf raises. Surprising, right?

When we think about strength training for runners, we often jump straight to our quads, hamstrings, and glutes. But what about your calves? These muscles are usually undertrained despite playing a critical role in running performance.

Balance is one of those foundational skills that can really improve your running performance and prevent injuries. Plus, it can improve your overall quality of life if you consider the bigger picture.

In this article, we’ll break down what balance is and how you can begin to assess your balance with some easy at-home tests. Plus, I’ll give you some exercise options that you can begin implementing in your workouts. Let’s dive in!

The importance of including strength training in a running plan is now well-known.

Strength training can help support our running bodies by improving our running economy. This is essentially how much oxygen we use while we run. This is directly related to how difficult the effort will feel. The better the running economy, the more at ease we will feel during our runs.

The other benefit of strength training is enhancing running performance. Improved performance can be seen as faster running speeds or shorter times to complete a run. Score!

However, the burning question that remains is: How am I supposed to fit all of this into my training schedule?

So, you just finished a race, congrats!

Whether it was a 5k or a marathon, you should be proud of your accomplishment.

You may be asking yourself: “Where do I go from here?”. That’s a totally valid question and one that I can relate to.

The best way to have a successful post-run strategy is to be prepared. What you do in the hours and days following the race can have a significant impact on your recovery.

The thoracic spine, also known as the T-spine, is the area of the back between the neck and the lumbar spine (lower back). This area often becomes stiff, which can lead to compensations in other areas, namely the neck and the lower back.

Even though I have been a physiotherapist for the last 10 years as well as a runner, I have made my fair share of mistakes when it comes to training for races. It’s always easier to advise people when you’re on the outside, but it’s not always as easy to implement the advice into your training.

Knowing what I know now, and having experienced training for multiple races firsthand, here are 7 things I would ABSOLUTELY recommend doing when training for a marathon (or half marathon).

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, I thought writing about how running can help in supporting mental health was fitting.

The physical benefits of running have been proven in many studies, but the mental health aspect still lacks high-quality research.

As runners, we know how much better a run can make us feel if we have a bad day or how it can help us work through some difficult times in our lives. But what does the research say?

You’ve probably heard the recommendation of changing your running shoes after a set distance or a set amount of time.

For example, shoe companies will sometimes recommend changing your running shoes after 500 kilometers or after one year. Not biased at all, right?

The truth is, there are too many factors at play to rely on blanket statements like these to change our running shoes.

I’m here to tell you, a run is a run whether it’s on the treadmill or outside.

Although I do prefer running outdoors, treadmills have their own set of advantages. For example, they can allow us to run when the weather conditions aren’t optimal or when our running environment isn’t safe.

In this article, I’ll give you some great tips for treadmill running so that you can make the most out of your next indoor workout. Let’s dive in!