Running Performance: Get race ready with these top tips

Runners galore are gearing up for a weekend packed full of popular races, including the Vitality Westminster Mile on Saturday 27^th May and the Vitality London 10,000 on Sunday 28^th May. Running performance matters whether you’re a novice runner or seasoned marathoner. Capital Physio is here to help you avoid running injuries.

Read on for three top tips from Capital Physio physiotherapist, and keen runner herself, Bryony Short:

1. Scheduling is everything

The famous phrase “failing to prepare is preparing to fail” is extremely accurate when it comes to race planning. Creating a training schedule will help keep on you focused and on track.  Not sure where to start? A basic schedule could include:

• Three runs per week:
  • One long
  • One short
  • One interval
• All other planned exercise for the week:
  • Gym sessions, footie game, netball etc
• A rest day once per week
  • You MUST honour this each week, as it’s crucial for recovery

For a training programme tailored to your personal needs and goals, consider visiting a professional such as a Capital Physio physiotherapist.

2. A foam roller is your best friend

Runners of all abilities should think of a foam roller as a portable physio, enabling them to manage their own symptoms before and after training. This clever bit of kit gently activates muscle groups while relieving tightness and tension in muscles and joints. Runners should focus on foam rolling the following areas:

• Calves
• Hamstrings
• Iliotibial Band
• Quadriceps
• Gluteals

My must-have device for runners, foam rollers are a simple and sure-fire way to keep you training and help you smash your running goals and maximum running performance!

3. Hydration is key

Adequate hydration is important on a day to day basis but is especially vital when we exercise. We need to be well hydrated to produce enough energy for our muscles, to breathe efficiently and to regulate our body temperature. Make sure you think about hydration before, during and after running. Here are some handy guidelines:

• On a ‘non-exercising’ day, it’s recommended adults drink around 2 litres of water
• On an active day, this should increase by 500ml for every 30 minutes of exercise
• So, if for example you’re running the Vitality London 10,000 you need to factor in approximately an extra litre on race day

Click here for more detailed advice on all things hydration to ensure maximum running performance for the big day!

We hope these tips have helped you feel more confident about your race preparation. Would you like our team of expert physiotherapists to help you reach your goals with a personalised programme? Click here to find your nearest Capital Physio clinic and book an appointment. If you’re a social butterfly, you can find us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram where you can share your race day photos with us – we’d love to see them!