Beating a PR or personal record is one of the greatest hurdles for a runner to overcome. If you’ve ever hit the proverbial brick wall, then you know of the frustrations that come from not being able to push past your current running PR. Many times, the desire to beat your personal record leads to pushing your limits, which can sometimes mean overtraining. As many athletes know firsthand, overtraining is the number culprit of injuries. Injuries not only set you back on your quest to beat your running PR, but they may sideline you entirely for the season.
However, you can beat your person record this running season and do it safely with these tips to avoid injury.
Know Your Weaknesses
Sometimes if you’re consistently hitting a wall when it comes to your personal record, it could be that you’re unaware of your weaknesses. It could be as simple as weak muscle or as difficult as changing your stride. Being an expert at running, you may think you know how to strengthen your muscles correctly or even how to position yourself for optimal speed. Your coach or personal trainer may think that as well. However, the truth is that only a certified professional who is trained in physiology and the biomechanics of the body knows exactly what to look for when you’re having difficulty reaching the next level. Enlisting the help of a physical therapist who specializes running will help you reach your new record.
Follow Your Training, But Vary It
After getting a running analysis, you’ll receive a training place to overcome those weaknesses. It’s essential to follow that training plan strictly. This plan is essentially your prescription for getting a better PR. You wouldn’t skip a dose of antibiotic prescription when you’re sick, so don’t do it with the training plan. Along with following your current training, it’s also helpful to add in some cross-training or alternate training like speed work, strength training, and swimming. However, it’s important to remember not to do this in place of your prescribed training plan. Furthermore, it’s also essential that you don’t over-train. Listen to your body and respond adequately.
Get The Proper Gear
Running in the wrong shoes not only slows your speed, but it can also result in injury. It’s important to make sure that you’re wearing the right fitted shoes for the right kind of running. Wearing running shoes built for the pavement could mean a slower pace if you’re trail running, and vice versa. It’s also beneficial to know what kind of arch you have to ensure you don’t need arch supports or orthotics. If you do need arch support, running without it can lead to pain during running as well as resulting in injury.
OSR Can Help You Reach A New Running PR
OSR has certified physical therapists and athletic trainers that specialize in running. They can not only do a complete running analysis for you, but also make sure you’re wearing the right shoes and training correctly. With OSR, you can beat your current personal record and do it without overtraining or injury. Contact us today if you want a new running PR.
