Strength training is an essential intervention we utilize in our Boulder Physical Therapy practice to rehabilitate all levels of running athletes. Previous research has shown significant benefits of strength training in runners on injury prevention, 50% less risk for future injury, and performance, primarily through improvements in running economy compared to their peers utilizing endurance...
Many high level and recreational runners avoid weight training due to fear of building muscle or bulk which may be detrimental to their performance. On the surface this argument makes sense because a larger runner would have to expend more resources (fuel, oxygen) at at given speed and distance. One of the first flaws in...
Running economy, similar to miles per gallon in a car, is the amount of oxygen and energy required to propel a runner over a given distance. In addition to fuel utilization, runners with better economy demonstrate better running form and a faster processing of metabolic wastes during exercise. This measure has been shown to have...
In our previous blogs, we have described interventions designed to reduce the high rates of running related injuries. To date, our best Physical Therapy interventions include controlling training volume, concurrent strength training, and gait retraining. In our Boulder Physical Therapy practice we aim to reduce peak loading forces and poor biomechanics at foot strike in...
In prior posts we have described the importance of running economy. Runners with improved economy, similar to miles per gallon in a car, will be able to run at lower percentage of their VO2 max at a given intensity compared to a less economical runner. Economical runners demonstrate improved performance in both training and competition....
This week we posted on the benefits of strength training on cycling performance. Specifically, how strength training improves our body’s use of resources including oxygen and fuel to power us through our endurance workouts. The more economical or efficient endurance athlete will be able to sustain a higher speed for a longer period of time...
In running, performance is easily quantified as the fastest time over a given distance. The runners with the fastest times often have the best ability to utilize oxygen (VO2 max), process metabolites and substances involved in energy utilization (lactate threshold), and the most efficient running form. Efficiency in running is described as running economy, similar...
Running is one of the most common forms of exercise due to its’ wide appeal, minimal equipment needs, and aerobic benefits. Around Boulder it is not uncommon to see runners of all ability levels and ages enjoying many of the great outdoor running paths and trails. Prior research has shown older runners run at slower...
Why to perform static stretching AFTER running: The ability of an individual to reach maximal performance in distance running is determined by VO2 Max (the body’s ability to utilize oxygen), lactate threshold, and running economy. Running economy is determined by the oxygen cost to perform a given aerobic activity a sub maximum level. Similar to...