Obstacle Mud Runner - issue 08

obstaclemudrunner.co.uk 26 ForEliteAtheletes toFunRunners 1 Aids with injury prevention If your muscles aren’t prepared to handle the load of consistent bounding, jumping up and over things and even running, stress gets absorbed elsewhere including bones and connective tissue. Under-active glutes for example can lead to excessive use of hamstrings leading to strains and all sorts of knee pain. Instability and lack of strength in the hips/ pelvis can also cause instability through the knees and ankles making runners more susceptible to injuries in those areas. Strength training incorporates glute and core activation that’s helps alleviate any discrepancies within the body leading to a reduced risk of injury. 2 Increase in mobility and flexibility A huge range of overuse injuries in obstacle course runners are linked to lack of mobility and flexibility. For example shin splints. Functional strength exercises in the gym can aid with reducing the risk of such injuries by improving your body’s movement patterns. Being able to do basic movements patterns such as squats and lunges are compound movements that require high levels of mobility and if done for reps with added weight can very quickly aid in reducing the susceptibility to injury as well as increasing the body’s efficiency through multi joint movements. RACE : TRAINING making a difference Strength Training 3 HUGE reasons you should be doing strength training as part of your Obstacle Course preparation programme... Natasha Hickey makes the case.