RUN SNACK – B.A.L.A.N.C.E

Single-leg balance. How good is yours?

It may surprise many of you (as it did me), that lack of control over your single-leg balance can have broader-reaching implications in your running gait…specifically relating to increased injury rates.

Simple exercises like standing on one leg while moving the free leg about, standing on one leg on uneven/unstable surfaces (balance boards are good for this), and eventually including strength movements to these exercises, are great ways of rapidly improving single-leg balance and control.

As it is primarily about activating the muscles – rather than developing strength – improvements are gained quickly. The key is to do it regularly. Oh, and do it on both legs too!

See you out there – Juddy

RUN SNACK – EMBRACE YOUR INNER HOBO!

Go barefoot often.

I try and partake in regular barefoot running and find it great for loosening up sore legs and a fantastic way to work on aspects of running form, whether as specific drills at the end of a run or by just doing easy barefoot running. There are heaps of ways of including barefoot running in your training and I’m not going to re-invent the wheel…that’s what Google is for! (NB – I have run barefoot for quite a while…if you are new to going barefoot take some time easing in to it, and if you have any questions just ask)

It doesn’t necessarily have to be running either - even walking around the home or office is good for you. By strengthening and stimulating your feet by being barefoot you are doing your body a great service – after all, the feet have the task of leading the rest of your body around all day!

See you out there – Juddy

RUN SNACK – BUFFALO BRIGADE

With almost two weeks gone by since the Buffalo Stampede – Australia’s first SkyRunning event – I’ve spent plenty of time this week reading some cracking race reports from the guys at the pointy end of the races (I haven’t yet come across any recounts from the ladies field – if anyone has seen some please let me know!). They have made compelling reading given the apparently brutal terrain.

I’ve enjoyed reading the blogs, so I thought I’d share some:

Dakota Jones (Ultra – 1st)

Caine Warburton (Ultra - 2nd)

Blake Hose (Ultra - DNF)

Ben Duffus (Ultra - DNF)

Vajin Armstrong (Marathon - =1st)

Tom Brazier (Marathon – 7th)

See you out there – Juddy