With many of you starting on your marathon training journey, here’s a reminder of some of our tips for preventing and dealing with common running injuries.
- Warm up and cool down always!
- Maintain flexibility. Although recent research suggests pre-running stretching is not effective in preventing injury, maintaining flexibility at other times is vital to permit continued training. Stretching at different times will be effective in maintaining and increasing muscle length. Take your time doing this, many people rush on stretching and do not gain from its benefits.
- Invest in a good pair of trainers. The trainers that you start your training with, won’t be the ones you do the actual race in. After over 450 miles of training you’ll be looking to change trainers. Ask a running footwear specialist for advice and get your gait analysed.
- When you’re on your long training runs, make sure you stay hydrated.
- Avoiding and treating plantar fasciitis means you need to strengthen the band of tissue at the bottom of your foot, this can be done through various foot exercises. However, if you feel you may have plantar fasciitis do not try anything until a physiotherapist has approved what you can do.
- Not all injuries require you to stop running. Physiotherapists will be able to guide your rehab – this may allow you to keep training, or adapt training, to keep you on course whilst certain injuries heal.
All the best with your Marathon training, and if you are concerned about any pain from your training, then get in touch today on 0208 657 5700 or complete our online form to make an appointment. The earlier you’re treated, the quicker you’ll be back running towards your marathon goal!
This is updated from the blog ‘Marathon Training Woes’ first published 25th February 2019.
