Even with the longer days of the Summer months, I sometimes feel like there is so much training to do and so little time to pack it in. Upping your mileage certainly brings increased stamina, so you can "bring it" at your races, but it can also mean increased injury risk. Overuse injuries are the bane of any runner's well-laid training plans. And that is where some prehab comes into play. You can Read more

Now that the weather is taking a slow turn toward lovely, I am all about running outside. But before you leave the treadmill behind for good this Spring, I suggest you listen to your running. Ditching the headphones for your indoor workout and using your ears to learn about your running gait could save you from developing overuse injuries. On your self-diagnostic run, you want to listen for two Read more

Part of a fit lifestyle, in my opinion, is living life to the fullest. Taking advantage of each moment and doing something fun is just as important for living a fit and healthy lifestyle as a proper fitness routine. Unfortunately, sometimes those two things get in the way of each other, and the most well-lived moments can turn into injuries that can sideline your workout routine. In the spirit of Read more

I must come clean and confess that I neglect my calves. Aside from stretching them in Downward Dog, I spend little time on this overworked muscle that helps propel me forward as I run. I'm changing my ways, and have added calf raises to my strength training routine. The calf may be small in comparison to the larger muscles in the thighs, but this muscle still needs to be worked in multiple Read more

I've been fighting with my IT band for some time, and it seems just when I think I've gotten it under control I'm hit with a twinge of pain that reminds me that my IT band still needs some TLC. One of my biggest fears is that I'll get a flare-up right before a race day, and since I'm gearing up to run San Francisco's notorious Bay to Breakers race this weekend, I've been taking some steps to Read more

Coach Lark Says that flexible hips make for a happy back. Learn why. Mike Boyle said it best: "The key to hip mobility is to get the right muscles moving the hip joint, and to decrease the movement of the lumbar spine as a substitute for hip movement." In other words, if you want to make sure your low back — a problem spot for a very high percentage of people — stays pain free, you have to Read more

Shin splints are one injury that can stop you in your tracks. We posted about these injuries recently and an anonymous user shared this great injury-prevention workout in the comments. One Summer, I trained with my sister's track team. Here's what the coach would have us do: Walk one way on our heels with toes turned out Walk on our heels with toes turned in Walk on our toes with feet turned Read more

Whether you're training for a race, upping your mileage, or just staying in shape with long runs in the park or around the neighborhood, it's easy to get stuck in a route rut. I find it hard to switch up my route, especially if I'm doing an early morning run. It's simple, mostly flat, and I know exactly how far I'm running every time. After a few weeks of five-mile morning runs around the park Read more