Start Running Healthy

So the big gyms have been closed.  Your spin classes are not happening.  The pools won’t be open for quite some time.  And now, you’re considering going for a run.  But where do you start?

Sure, you could just throw on some random sneakers and go. Bang out a few miles. What could go wrong? Maybe nothing, but I’ll tell you that in my 15 years as a physical therapist, chances are something will go wrong.  Prior to quarantine life, specifically in the last year,  I had many of my friends asking for help after they went from not running to throwing in a 3-5 mile run.  The overnight coach to 5K.  The most common problem? Calf/Achilles issues and painful hips + knees.  With my hands-on skills as a physical therapist, dry needling and knowledge of corrective exercises and mobility, I whipped them back into shape in no time.  Some of them are even running on the regular these days and they are pain-free. YAY! 

But in these uncertain times, access to hands-on skills and bodywork is not an option, sadly. Some physical therapy clinics are open (not all) so I’m here to share a few nuggets of wisdom to help you prepare for your future as a runner.  

The goal here is to give you a few tips on how to prepare your body to absorb the impact of running and help you recover. Running is good for your mind, body, and soul.  However, if you are not used to a high impact activity, a little prep goes a long way. 

All you need is a foam roller (or a one little Nalgene bottle) and a band (and old bike inner tube can work in a pinch)… Click on each movement for a video.
Ankle Mobility: 

        Calf Release - 2 min each leg

        Shin Release - 2 min each leg

        Kneeling Ankle Stretch 30 sec x 3 each leg

        Calf Stretch (on ½ foam roller, rolled-up yoga mat, towel...anything) 30 sec x 3 each leg

Ankle Strength:

        Calf Raise + Eccentric Calf Strength - these can + should be done off a step for the full 

                                                                      range of motion. 10-20x based on fatigue. 

Hip Mobility :

         Hip Openers 3-5x each side

Pelvis + Glute Stability:

         Cross Body Core 10-20x each side

         Side Plank - can also be done on knees - 30 sec x 3 each side

         Single-Leg Bridge 10-20x

         Monster Walk - 3-5 min            

         Lunge with Overhead Reach and Calf Stretch + Activation 3x each side

           Banded Jumps - 15x

Now that you have got your body mobilized and stabilized, it’s time to figure out exactly how much you should run.  Great (+ necessary) question. Whether you’re new to the sport or recovery from an injury, there is a pretty good formula to follow:

30 sec on, 1 min off x 5 and work up to x 10.  Sure, that’s not a very long amount of time, but maybe you start off a 2-3 mile walk that way as a way to get some time on your feet with light, but not high impact.  Exposing your body to light weight-bearing activities, like walking or hiking, is a great buffer for running. 

Take your time with these progressions and make the time to do your recovery mobility + strength. 

Progression:

1 min on, 1 min off x 5 and work up to x 10

2 min on, 1 min off x 5 and work up to x 10

3 min on, 1 min off x 5 and work up to x 10

4 min on, 1 min off x 5 and work up to x 10

5 min on, 1 min off x 5 and work up to x 10

…. Continue until you are up to 10 min x 5

…. And then you are free to fly, er, run! 

      Start with a few miles and see how it goes.

Good luck out there.  Be safe, wear a mask, keep your distance and wash your hands!