WEEK 1: HALF MARATHON 2019 WITH 'SAINTS DAYS' 5K & 10K TRAINING BEGINS

RUNNERS AND WALKERS are you ready to begin training? If so, commit to performing the pre-run hip girdle mobility (Myrtl’s) and flexibility (pre-run dynamic warm-ups or “DWarmups”) routines, post run stretches, and foam rolling work that is incorporated in this plan along with the days of running. 
 
The upper and lower body strength training can be simple; a strength session is scheduled for one day each week but of course you can do more of this as desired. 
 
CROSS TRAINING can be incorporated into your training schedule on days you are not running, AS DESIRED 
 
The RESOURCES page has links to suggested routines for these workouts, a few include video demonstrations. Most trainers will say it’s good to mix up or rotate exercises, such that you never quite become comfortable performing them. You can also go online and find versions that differ from the tried and true classic exercises posted by Earned Runs.  Many can be made easier or more difficult.

Any lower body exercise that can be performed with one leg will increase the difficulty and also work on improving balance, especially if it’s done standing. If you feel unsteady while performing any routine, make sure you have nearby stable support structures to prevent falls. 
 
In watching video demonstrations produced by trainers for young and fit athletes, like football players, there are cautions that even sport elites can be a bit unbalanced initially. After a break from performing walking lunges I tend to tip to one side when starting again, especially when combining upper body rotation with this move. Balance work can improve running and walking efficiency, so don’t shy away from single leg strength routines; you’ll get twice the benefit. 
 
CLASSIC LOWER BODY exercises that can be performed without extra weights include:
Lunges: forward, reverse, side/lateral, and forward with rotation
Bridges/hip raises: both feet on floor (easier), single leg (harder); on stability ball (harder)
Squats: front and split
Side leg raises: without (easier) or with a resistance band (harder)
Clamshells: without (easier) or with a resistance band (harder)
Resistance bands walks: lateral and “box” stepping
 
CLASSIC UPPER BODY exercises that can be performed without extra weights include:
Push-ups (variations)
Triceps dips
Floor “Y’, “T”, “W” and “I” arm raises; done on stability ball (harder)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHfkpPYSgzs
 
CLASSIC CORE/STABILITY exercises include:
Planks: prone, sideways, supine; there are many easier/harder variations
Dead bugs: without (easier) and with a stability ball (harder)
Mountain climbers (variations)
 
BALANCE exercises:
One leg stand: harder on unsteady surfaces (folded towel, pillow, Bosu) or with closed eyes
Step downs: front, side, and back
http://www.knee-pain-explained.com/knee-strengthening.html
 
Most training plans will recommend similar supportive work on mobility, flexibility, balance, and strength, but actual routines WON’T BE LISTED ON THE DAILY/WEEKLY schedules. Notes will state the importance to running of doing this work, but mostly other plans leave details of when and how to incorporate this work into training regimens to individuals.
 
EARNED RUNS plans strongly EMPHASIZE the IMPORTANCE of this work to INJURY PREVENTION over the course of the training period by scheduling these components on specific days.  However, you can customize the plan and change things up to meet your needs. For example, the "Dead Bug" is a safe and effective (abdominal and back) core exercise scheduled every Wednesday, but another exercise can be substituted and it can be performed any day(s).

Your 2019 training season officially begins!

RUN & MOVE HAPPY!