Very few things are worse to a runner than a running injury. If you have ever been injured it is devastating. To add salt to the wound, while you sit on the couch recovering, but getting weaker, you realize it is preventable.

Listen closely…

When you run, pain is mandatory, but running injuries are optional.

Today we have a special guest on the show. We are talking with the RunRx founder Valerie Hunt about the importance of developing better running form and strength for runners to prevent running injuries.

Valerie has more than 25 years of experience teaching runners about forefoot running technique, bodyweight strength and mobility and flexibility exercises, all to help you run, stay healthy and start pain and injury free.

She is the founder of RunRx and she has over 100,000 followers and something like 5,000 post with short explanations and tips that can help you get stronger as a runner. Valerie is here to today to help you understand why running injuries are not just common, but easily preventable.

Valerie, welcome to the show!

Valerie of RunRx:

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Dr. Segler:

Before we get into some questions maybe you could just give us a little bit more background about your running history and why you became so interested in injury prevention for runners.

Valerie of RunRx:

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Dr. Segler:

A running injury can be devastating. Running makes most of happy, and frankly better adjusted. But often we we get a running injury, we are told we have to sit still and recover. We are told to stop running. Emotionally it can be a real challenge. We can even get depressed.

Valerie, help us understand…What was it like form an emotional standpoint, when you were injured and had to stop running?

Valerie of RunRx:

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Dr. Segler:

Over the last decade or so there has been a significant emphasis on running form, and a particular attention paid to fore foot, mid foot and rear foot striking patterns.

You really are incredible at sharing short, helpful videos that motivate and inspire runners to activate large muscle groups, develop better running form and prevent running injury…and show them it doesn’t necessarily require a gym or fancy equipment to develop a stronger runner machine.

And the way, to you, listening right now, if you aren’t already following RunRx on Instagram, you should stop right now, open Instagram and follow @RunRx. What led you to become so passionate about strength training in runners?

Valerie of RunRx

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Dr. Segler:

As runners often focus on the usual targets in training but miss all of the peripheral sources of strength and then get injured. We just want to run. It feels good to run, and we feel like we are getting stronger as we run.

I personally believe that adding some short drills to your routine as a runner can make you a stronger on runner. Form is everything. Activation of your gluten and large muscle groups is like adding additional rowers in the boat. It just makes you so much more efficient when you are firing on all cylinders.

Could you share with our audience why you think so many runners know the value, they believe strength training is a “good idea”, but don’t act on it and prioritize it?

Valerie of RunRx

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Dr. Segler:

Why do you think runners get injured so much?

Valerie of RunRx:

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Dr. Segler:

Some researchers have written that about 85% of runners get some for of injury annually. Wether or not you agree with than number, I think all runners agree running injuries are common. Although this could be a complicated answer, in the simplest way you can, share what you really think is the root cause of running injuries.

Did you think runners could really prevent many of the most common overtraining injuries, if they were stronger, had better form, or became more coordinated and efficient through running drills and routines?

Valerie of RunRx:

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Dr. Segler:

Right now a lot of listeners are thinking, “Yeah, I know..good idea, but I am busy, too busy to add more stuff to my calendar.”

How long does it take, per day for runner to add some of the drills you teach? Really, how much time does it take?

Valerie of RunRx:

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Dr. Segler:

Let’s talk about core strength. I know most runners accept it would be a “Good idea” to have a strong core, but I know many runners who actually don’t do it because they say the don’t have time.

Help us understand why core strength is so important…from a running injury prevention standpoint.

Valerie of RunRx:

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Dr. Segler:

Let’s talk about glutes and hamstrings. We all hear these terms “glute activation” and “hamstring activation” but what does it really mean and why is it important to activate these muscles before you run?

Valerie of RunRx:

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Dr. Segler:

I know this is putting you on the spot, but if there is one strength test or drill you could recommend that our listeners could do, which would convince them they need to add some drills to their routines to reduce the risk of developing an overtraining injury, what would it be?

Valerie of RunRx:

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If you go to the show notes page we will have a link to this video there for you.

Dr. Segler:

Let’s talk about pain. I think with running pain is mandatory but injuries are optional. Why do so many runners run with pain?

Valerie of RunRx:

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Dr. Segler:

Tell us about how you came up with the idea of the “321 Run 5-Days to Run Pain Free”

Valerie of RunRx:

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Dr. Segler:

I know you have open enrollment for the course coming up, What will runners learn when the enroll in 321 Run 5-Days to Run Pain Free.

Valerie of RunRx:

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Dr. Segler:

I’ve certainly learned a lot today and it’s really been great having you on the show!

Valerie, thanks so much for taking time out of your schedule to share all of your experience and expertise with our listeners today.

What is the best way for our listeners to reach you in they need help taking the steps to prevent running injury…and keep running pain free?

Valerie of RunRx

Thanks for having me!

Links to include in Podcast Episode Show Notes:

Website: https://www.runrx.fit

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/runrxfit

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runrx/