Who’s signed up for a big race in the next few months? Maybe you’re on a couch to 5k plan, a half marathon or did you even get the big one - The London Marathon? (Lucky you and congratulations if you did!)

If so, you will no doubt be starting to shape up your training programme. Of course it’s important to be getting those miles in each week, building your distances and increasing speeds gradually. You probably have done a few local Parkruns like Great Lines in Gillingham. You may have joined a local running group like Rebel Runners Medway or Medway Runners. But have you considered how strength and resistance training along with flexibility work can help you too?

Start to incorporate strength training. Using free weights and resistance machines from now for the maximum benefits on race day and beyond. Exercises such as lunges, squats using barbells and other weights are excellent for building strength in the lower body.

Don’t forget core strength too. While lower body strength training is what springs to mind as part of a runner’s programme, don’t neglect core. It’s what hold you upright, and building strength and stability here will help prevent injuries in the lower back and hips too.

I’m currently training clients for events from 5ks to marathons and all of them have benefited from lower risk of injury, improved endurance and better running form. Drop me a message to have a chat about how I can help you.