Top 5 tips for managing your running load in isolation

With everything that is going on at the moment, and so many unknowns, it is important to continue to focus on the things that you can control.

For runners specifically, there is no guarantee that an event in the back half of this year will even go ahead. But what you can do is focus on what you can control, which is your fitness and conditioning, and being prepared for your chosen upcoming event.

Here are my top 5 tips for managing your running load during isolation

1. Stick to the program
   1. You may have more time up your sleeves currently to train more often or for longer sessions, but that doesn’t mean you should. It is important that you continue to stick to your program. If your event date has been rescheduled then all it means is it has given you more time to be prepared.
2. Do not overtrain
   1. Having more time to train can often lead to overtraining. That “ I can fit an extra run in this week so I will” mindset will quickly land you in hot water and in a health practitioners treatment room.
3. Cross training
   1. Depending on what you are training for, consider that at this moment you may have more time to undertake some cross training. Instead of continuing with the usual 3-4 weekly runs, consider swapping them out for a bike ride, or ocean swim, and keep the body fresh. You’ll be surprised how this can have positive impacts on your running, and your recovery!
4. Variation is the spice of life
   1. Variation in your training is key. Just as you might swap out a run for a bike ride or ocean swim, introducing new and different training sessions can help. If your typical running week just involves slow long runs and perhaps a tempo run, think about introducing a short, sharp session such interval training or a hill session. The variation is training gives the body and break, and like cross training, can add another dimension to your running. Altering training surfaces will help as well with variability e.g. trail run vs a road run.
5. Get creative
   1. Gyms are closed…sad! But that doesn’t mean your strength training has to cease. Reach out to your coach, Exercise Physiologist, or Physiotherapist and see how your program can be converted from being completed in a gym, to a home gym. You’ll be surprised as to what you can achieve and how hard the sessions can be when training at home, and the minimal equipment required.

If you would like any further information, please feel free to contact myself [email protected] or you can book an appointment online.

Happy Training

Patrick Oughtred
Sports Podiatrist