Q - Hey Coach. I was recently up at the Metro track Centre at York University and noticed a group of athletes doing a variety of different drills, going about 20 metres, then stopping, then walking back, then going again. I think they were mainly university sprinters.
I'm in my 40s, and run half (PB 1:55) and full marathons. Is there any point in doing these sorts of drills?
A - There can indeed be a point in incorporating mobility drills in to your training as they help increase basic athleticism. Specifically, they can help to increase agility, coordination, running posture, as well as balance. And so doing is likely to improve running efficiency by improving muscle recruitment/activation patterns.
Additionally, improved athleticism may reduce the ever present risk of injury by strengthening and enhancing the ability to recruit the accessory and stabilizing muscles.
Many of my clients have taken up road racing in there mid-30's and 40's after a relatively sedentary lifestyle, even as far back as high school, and thus may be lacking in athleticism. So I often include the prescription of running drills in their programs.
If the drills are new to you, you can get instruction youtube videos such as the one posted by the fine American runner, Lauren Fleshman, who has run 14:58.48 (yikes !) for 5 km. on the track. See her video here.
So give them a whirl...guaranteed to also improve your prowess on the dance floor.
I'm in my 40s, and run half (PB 1:55) and full marathons. Is there any point in doing these sorts of drills?
A - There can indeed be a point in incorporating mobility drills in to your training as they help increase basic athleticism. Specifically, they can help to increase agility, coordination, running posture, as well as balance. And so doing is likely to improve running efficiency by improving muscle recruitment/activation patterns.
Additionally, improved athleticism may reduce the ever present risk of injury by strengthening and enhancing the ability to recruit the accessory and stabilizing muscles.
Many of my clients have taken up road racing in there mid-30's and 40's after a relatively sedentary lifestyle, even as far back as high school, and thus may be lacking in athleticism. So I often include the prescription of running drills in their programs.
If the drills are new to you, you can get instruction youtube videos such as the one posted by the fine American runner, Lauren Fleshman, who has run 14:58.48 (yikes !) for 5 km. on the track. See her video here.
So give them a whirl...guaranteed to also improve your prowess on the dance floor.
taken from Lauren Fleshman's Running Drills video
One other thing.
You may have also observed athletes doing drills that involve some actual jumping as opposed to shallow skipping, or hopping. These exercises are generally termed plyometrics and they are employed to enhance muscle strength and power (i.e.,the ability to move the limbs quickly against resistance).
But for the record I almost never recommend plyometrics for adults because of the high risk of injury.
You may have also observed athletes doing drills that involve some actual jumping as opposed to shallow skipping, or hopping. These exercises are generally termed plyometrics and they are employed to enhance muscle strength and power (i.e.,the ability to move the limbs quickly against resistance).
But for the record I almost never recommend plyometrics for adults because of the high risk of injury.
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