Of course, this would be a topic that would interest me.

This workshop was offered last night at the Crossings and sponsored by FleetFeet.

I signed up a while ago and had planned to run beforehand because I love to run at the Crossings.

However, since I had run 2 days in a row, I opted for checking out the new Trader Joe’s nearby instead. (I think that I was not that impressed because I don’t cook healthy –however, I did find a few interesting foods to buy.)

The workshop was given by a Sports Physician who is also an accomplished (Marathon) Runner and Triathlete.  The room was pretty full…with what seemed to be older new runners and older experienced runners.

That would make sense, we older runners probably experience or worry about injuries more.

The presentation consisted of a bunch of boring powerpoint slides (once a teacher, always a teacher…others may not share my opinion of his talk) but I did manage to glean a few things (however, most things I already knew or were common sense):

Running injuries are more common:

• to women
• when you have already had an injury
• when you run too many miles

What is important when running races:

1. have fun
2. finish
3. meet a goal

How to avoid  running injuries:

• quality miles (possible in 3 days a week – tempo, hill repeats, long run) not garbage miles – make your runs count
• realistic goals
• balanced diet (yes, you can cheat, if you need to and coffee is good for energy)
• do hip stretches if you are prone to IT Band issues
• listen to your body (heart rate too high = back off)
• mix up your surfaces – trails, multi-directional runs, hills
• shorten your stride

So although I didn’t learn a lot of new things from this workshop, it was motivating.

I set my alarm for 5:45 am and ran before work.  It was a beautiful morning to be out there. I only ran 3 miles on a route with some hills and I tried to run with a short stride (I think.)

Happy Running! Any other advice on avoiding running injuries?