Welcome to Episode 37 of the Final Surge Podcast where we talk with Coach Nate Helming. Nate has been featured in publications such as Competitor Magazine and is the founder of The Run Experience. I recommend you check out his videos on YouTube at The Run Experience. Today we will discuss running injuries, hips, foot strike, nose breathing and more.
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How did you get your start in endurance sports?
Did you do track and cross country in high school or was it just something you did on the side?
What did you do after high school? Did you do these sports in college?
You now run The Run Experience and specialize in movement and keeping runners injury free. Did you study Exercise Science in college?
Depending on the survey you want to believe, 65-80 percent of runners and triathletes get injured every year. Why do you think the injury rate is so high?
You mentioned a thorough dynamic warm up, what does that look like for you?
You mentioned range of motion; one argument is that you only need as much flexibility or range of motion as the activity requires. So with running that is not a whole lot. Do you agree with this or do you think we need to work even more on increasing range of motion?
If we look at the newer runner, some of the common injuries we see are shin splints, Achilles injuries, runner’s knee and tight calves. Most of what we see is lower leg injuries, but usually, that is the symptom of a different causing factor. What are some of the things you most often see that leads to these lower leg injuries?
You mention hip extension when I see lower leg injuries, the first thing I look at are the hips, and often, the hips are back when we look at them on video. It is easy to tell someone to get your hips underneath them, but it is a different thing to make it happen. How do you work with athletes to get their hips under them?
In your videos on YouTube at The Run Experience, you talk a lot about proper foot strike. While there may not be a single best foot strike for everyone, what are some of the things you look for?
You mentioned during the first mile of the warm up run to breathe through the nose only; does this teach deeper belly breathing?
When working with your triathletes and runners, you have them performing these drills and movements. How much general strength and weight lifting do you do with your athletes?
You mentioned barbell movements. Are you working with the Olympic movements or what other types of strength work do you have your athletes do?
You have a 2-week quick start program on your site. Can you tell us what is involved in that?
You have a new mobile app too. What is included in that Run Experience app?
The Final Surge… 5 questions in under 1 minute
Favorite running book? – Bowerman and the Men of Oregon
Current trainers you are wearing? – Altra Loan Peak 3.0
Favorite race? – Leadville 100 Mountain Bike Race
Favorite meal or recovery drink? – Sushi and ice cream
Your favorite workout – 90 minute trail run working uphills
Resources
Team Final Surge