I’m embarrassed to say this, but until recently I had never even thought about what it really is.  You’d think I would have at read about it somewhere.

ITB injuries are super common in runners.  It functions to provide lateral support for the leg and keeps the pelvis from tipping to the side when only one foot is in contact with the ground.  Sharp burning knee or hip pain can be a sign of an ITB injury.

Here are a few ways you can help prevent getting an ITB injury:

• Get fitted for proper running shoes.  Excessive pronators are more susceptible to IT injuries.
• Make sure your position on your bike is set up properly and that your cleats are positioned correctly on your bike shoes based on your foot tilt.
• Be aware of running in the same direction especially if you run in a circular motion such as a track.
• Self massage with a foam roller or The Stick will help release tightness.

Have a fabulous workout and don’t forget to stretch!

To run is to “go quickly”.  To practice yoga is to “be where you are”.

Even if my legs aren’t always going at a speedy pace you better bet my mind is.  If you could clock the pace of my racing mind during a run, no doubt it would leave my legs in the dust.

My lack of flexibility and racing mind are the source of my biggest challenges during my yoga practice.  Running for many years = tight muscles.  Classes here in the city seem to be composed of dancers and other athletes where having great flexibility is a must for their sport.  In fact, I’ve embarrassed myself laughing out loud in a Level 1 class from being asked to do the impossible (seriously, a side crow and a flying lotus in a level 1 class?). I can’t wait to live somewhere where the yogi’s are little less Elastigirl and a little more… like me.

Now that I’m training for a marathon (I’ll post about that soon), I have to practice yoga.  I strongly believe that yoga is the only way I’ll stay injury free while marathon training.  Yesterday was my long run, making today my yoga day.  I did this 60 minute yoga for runners podcast.  Its available at YogaDownloads.com.  Truly a bargain at $5.95!  It was just as good as going to my neighborhood studio.  Maybe even better as I can do this same practice as many times as I want!  Its even great for beginners as it also comes with a download-able pose guide.  Seriously, it can’t be beat!

Looking for an even better bargain?   The 20 minute version is available on itunes for free! The inspiration for today’s purchase was Episode #26: Yoga for Runners.  

Today’s question: What do you do to stay injury free when training for a race?