Running has so many amazing health benefits – it fills us with high energy endorphins, keeps us lean and mean, makes our heart stronger, and it’s even meditative for some. That being said , runners have the highest incidence of chronic injuries out of any group of athletes, including contact sport athletes. Why? The constant repetitive strain that the running motion has on the body can and will take its tole over time and injury will eventually ensue; that is, unless one trains their body to be able handle this strain.

Yes, that means injury can be avoided! By strengthening the muscles, ligaments, tendons and bones that are needed for the repetitive motion of running, we are lubricating and protecting them from wear and tear. Muscle contractions stimulate not only the muscles themselves but also make your tendons and ligaments stronger, as well as increase bone density. So proper targeted resistance training can and will help keep you running longer, more efficiently, and at a faster pace, if that’s what you’re looking for. Win win! Track, hill and stair workouts are also excellent forms of training, especially if you’re looking to improve your time, from a performance standpoint.

Below I share some important points. These include resistance training, track workouts to improve speed, and cross training to be able to strengthen the body through ways that simply running cannot do alone. Wether you’re a recreational runner (yes overuse injuries can affect you eventually as well) or a running junkie, these fitness tips will help you on your way to a long lasting injury free running career.
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