Periodization is a popular term today, and used in many ways. Basically periodization is a term to refer to a strategy for designing a program focusing on differing short-term goals to achieve the long-term goal of optimal performance and health. Understanding the concepts behind the philosophy of periodization can help anyone maximize the [...]
By now a lot of us have set our goals and targeted some activities and events for the coming year. This is good, since goals turn intention into action. Once some goals are set, then the plan has to be made for doing the work to achieve the goals. For many of [...]
By Brian Beatty & Rob Schneider
Nothing is wrong is having some years of experience. Though we often strive to maintain the physical health we associate with youth, how many of us say, “It would be great to be 10, 20, 30 years younger, if I could know then what I know now.” Hopefully [...]
Cycling is a sport that is unquestionably driven by the lower extremities. Often the importance of the shoulder girdle is overlooked, yet it can be a large factor in comfort and performance on the bike. The inability to position the shoulders efficiently can manifest as performance reducing discomfort at best and [...]
I have a healthy respect for anyone that can complete a marathon. While managing 26.2 miles is certainly respectful, my admiration lies primarily with one’s ability to accomplish the training. The discipline and time commitment required for marathon mileage is significant. Unfortunately, as more time gets committed to running, there is less [...]
Endurance activities are aerobic by nature. From an energy perspective, the goal is to constantly supply sufficient oxygen to the muscles so that the energy stores are used most efficiently. We work on building strength and flexibility in the muscles that drive our chosen task, fine tune our equipment, constantly refine our technique [...]
By Brian Beatty & Rob Schneider
Optimal training for any activity will follow a periodization schedule based upon the activity ‘season’. Running and cycling in NC allows for a relatively long ‘season’, which presents training challenges in order to provide sufficient recovery, avoid overload strain / injury, and develop a base from which performance improvement [...]
Why are core exercises important for runners?
The human body is a dynamic system with many movement possibilities. Movement options allow the body to adapt and compensate for different functional tasks. When we run, the body acts as a system geared for absorbing and then generating forces relative to the ground. The goal of the system [...]
Q: I’ve tried stretching my hamstrings daily, foam rolling, massage, and all sorts of yoga, but they still remain tight and painful! What’s the deal?
A:The real question on tight hamstrings that remain tight despite best efforts is to understand the function of the dysfunction. What I mean is that the hamstring tightness must in some [...]
It is that time of year again. January 1 came and went with a New Years resolution to run more events this year, maybe a triathlon or even a marathon. Now you are 4 to 5 weeks into your training and an injury is upon you. You’re starting to get frustrated, maybe depressed, just into [...]
