Trail running is not only more technical than road running, but it is also more physically demanding as well, involving the utilization of a host of different muscle groups. Strength and core exercises are important for all runners, but especially so for trail runners. Strength training is essential to help maintain proper running technique, to reduce muscle fatigue and to increase our power and strength on the rugged terrain.
Strength training should be a part of every trail runner’s weekly training routine however many runners are still not willing to do it. Why is that? I hear the same excuses all of the time; “it’s boring”, “I haven’t got time”, “I don’t know where to start”. If your excuse is based on not having any time to do strength training, then I would encourage you to make the time! 10 minutes less running with the 10 minutes spent on the exercises mentioned in this article would be a good starting point. If your excuse is that you don’t know where to start, then read on.
The following routine is very straightforward and requires no gym equipment whatsoever. The exercises concentrate on the core (to maintain proper running form), the upper body (to prevent fatigue and maintain good running technique) and the legs (to gain extra power and to minimize fatigue especially over longer trail runs).
This routine is quick to do and can be done after a training run or as a standalone workout. Each exercise should last for 30 seconds with a 30-second rest before moving on to the next exercise.
Plank
Muscles Worked – Core
Single Leg Squat (30s each leg)
Muscles Worked – Quads, Hamstrings, and Calves
Push Ups
Muscles worked – Pectoralis Major
Single Leg Deadlift (30s each leg)
Muscles worked – Glutes, Hamstrings, Calves
Bird Dog (alternating arms & legs)
Muscles worked – Lower back, Glutes, and Hamstrings
Lunge (30s each leg)
Muscles worked – Quads, Glutes, and Calves
Side Plank (30s each side)
Muscles worked – Obliques, Glutes
Single Leg Bridge (30s each leg)
Muscled worked – Glutes, Hamstrings
Flutter Kicks
Muscles worked – Core, Abductors
Donkey Kicks
Glutes, Hamstrings
About The Author
Mark Williams is Director and Co-founder (with Jeffrey Ross) of The Running Plan – www.therunningplan.com, the Malaysian-based running training plan experts.
Visit their website for more information on trail and road training plans, or email contact@therunningplan.com. Learn from the best!