Running Plan | Run Lab Part 3 | Your Routine
Running plan. The 3rd way Run Lab helps beginner runners to prevent and treat running injuries.
Run Lab is for the masses. Not for the elite. A simple assessment for the beginner runner. It includes firstly, running gait analysis. Secondly, running strengthening exercises. Thirdly, running plan prescription.
Run Lab’s 3 Key Components
Form | The Big Picture
- Video analysis of your running gait
- Spot any biomechanical faults contributing to your pain or problem
- Run Lab aims to tackle your persistent running injury such as Runners Knee, Shin Splints, Plantar Fasciitis, ITB friction syndrome and Achilles tendinopathy
- Select simple technique tips to improve your efficiency
Condition | Pieces Of The Puzzle
- Assess your current condition
- Functional Movement Screening tests to spot any stiff or weak areas
- Run Lab helps prevent repetitive strain injuries and keep persistent niggles at bay such as joint pain, muscle pain, leg pain
- Develop tailored strength training for runners
Regime | Your Routine
- Advice and planning of your weekly running plan
- From simple weekly regime advice and keeping fit, to marathon training plans
- Spot any faults in your weekly regime that may have caused or contributed to your injury
- Help to set out and achieve any specific running goals
Simple golden rules, or ‘Golden R’s’, followed in your running plan can help you to reduce the chance of getting pain during running or pain after running. Take a look at our best weekly running plan rules for beginners below.
Best Weekly Running Plan | 6 Golden R’s
Ready
Make sure you’re ready to go before each run. It’s key that your warm up is dynamic and specific to running. Getting your heart rate slightly raised will get you into your running rhythm more quickly and ultimately improve your performance. Check out our 7 Series Warm Up Drills on how to get ready to run.
Run
For beginners and recreational runners 3 times per week is enough to help you improve and adapt. There are 2 key points here. Firstly, no consecutive days running!! Always ensure you have a day off running between each session. You have a much higher risk of injuring yourself by running on consecutive days.
Secondly, include variety in your runs. Ideally mix your runs between steady, long runs (equivalent to a running pace you can still just chat at), tempo runs (slightly quicker pace but shorter distances), or interval sessions (repetitions of quick, short, burst. For example 50 metre bursts 5-10 times. Playing another high, intensity sport such as football, tennis, netball, etc could also be classed as an interval session).
Regime
Always incorporate 1-2 rest days. Your body needs time to adapt and heal before going again. These are essential!! Ensure you have 1-2 recovery days (for example a light walk/swim/cycle or even Yoga session). These days are needed to help flush out lactate in the body as well as recover from the micro-trauma in your muscles in order to allow the body to adapt. Essentially become fitter.
Finally, 1-2 conditioning sessions per week will improve your running performance, making you more efficient and reduce your risk of injury. This can take many forms, for example, Pilates / Yoga / HIIT class / Circuit workout / Strength & Conditioning session / other Sport. For a an example of a running specific workout try out our 7 Series Running Strength video.
Recovery
Try to have a recovery day after your long run. When you have just pushed your body to it’s threshold, for example after your longest run, it’s highly likely you will be at your stiffest the next day or 2 due to muscle soreness. A light walk, swim or cycle will help you recover quicker at your stiffest.
Rules
When increasing your mileage as part of a training plan use the 10% rule as a general guidance. Increasing your total weekly miles or Km’s by no more than 10% at a time. Or if your runs are a bit of a breeze you can try the Equilibrium rule. Increasing your weekly mileage by 20-30% but sticking at this level for 3-4 weeks before going again.
Respond
At the end of the day listen your body. If you’re feeling fatigued, take another rest or recovery day. Or, if you’re feeling fitter than ever, try that second conditioning session instead of a recovery day. Not sure if you’re doing too much or causing more damage, read our guide on good pain vs bad pain here.
Best Weekly Running Plan Example
For more useful information and tips on everything running related go to our Runners Hub section of the website.
Remember…
