Injury Prevention and Longevity in Running with Eoin Everard: Masters 3km World Champ & Physiotherapist
Apr 12, 2024
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Eoin Everard, the World and European Masters 3000m champion with a PhD in Biomechanics, joins the conversation to delve into injury prevention and the intricacies of back health. He shares effective morning routines for back pain relief and the transformative effects of Pilates on mobility and core strength. Eoin emphasizes the need for personalized training and proper exercise techniques to minimize injuries, while advocating for a mindful approach to running that prioritizes aerobic fitness over performance pressure. Fun anecdotes and expert insights round out this engaging discussion!
Understanding and managing back pain involves recognizing specific movements that exacerbate discomfort and incorporating corrective exercises to promote healing.
Stability and mobility must be balanced in the body, as deficits in either can lead to injuries and hinder athletic performance.
Older athletes should adapt their training strategies by focusing on strength and effort rather than performance metrics to ensure longevity in running.
Deep dives
Understanding Back Pain
Back pain is often misunderstood and can arise from various activities, mainly involving prolonged sitting or incorrect movements. Common sources of back pain include flexion intolerance, where bending or rounding the back exacerbates discomfort. Effective management requires identifying activities causing the pain and reducing those specific actions while focusing on strengthening the back through opposite movements, such as extensions. By recognizing the cause and implementing corrective exercises, individuals can alleviate back pain and improve their overall quality of life.
The Importance of Stability and Mobility
Stability is crucial for maintaining control during movement, and a lack of it can lead to injuries. There is a distinction between flexibility and mobility, with mobility being defined as controlled movement through a full range. A well-functioning body requires a balance where every second joint should either be mobile or stable, meaning stiff hips can lead to complications in lower back flexibility, often resulting in pain. Therefore, addressing mobility in the right joints while ensuring stability can prevent many injuries and enhance overall performance.
Morning Routine for Back Health
Many people experience worsened back pain in the morning due to fluid accumulation in the discs overnight. Remaining sedentary or performing certain movements shortly after waking can exacerbate this discomfort. To mitigate this, a morning routine involving gentle movements, such as cat-cow stretches and spinal extensions, can help to promote fluid redistribution. By focusing on gradual movements and engaging the core, individuals can set themselves up for a pain-free day.
The Role of Pilates in Recovery
Pilates is an effective method for rehabilitating back pain as it emphasizes core strength and spinal mobility. This approach not only targets the core but also aids in activating the glutes and promoting functional movements. By transitioning from ground-based Pilates exercises to standing movements, practitioners can prepare their bodies for daily activities and sports. Incorporating Pilates into a fitness routine allows individuals to build a stable foundation, thus reducing the risk of injuries and enhancing overall athletic performance.
Adapting Training for Masters Athletes
Older athletes, particularly those above 35 years, should adjust their training to address their changing bodies and capabilities. Reducing the frequency of high-intensity workouts while incorporating strength training or Pilates into the routine helps enhance muscular activation and stabilize the body. Training should focus on effort rather than performance metrics, allowing for more flexibility and reduced pressure on athletes. This approach not only promotes long-term health and sustainable running practices but also opens opportunities for improvement in endurance sports, regardless of age.
This week we are joined by Eoin Everard, the current World and European Masters (Over 35) 3000m champion who also has a blazing sub-14 min 5km and sub-4 min mile under his belt. In addition to being an astonishing runner, but Eoin holds a PhD in Biomechanics and is a Physiotherapist and the founder of the BackAware Belt, a tool to help with back pain.
In this episode we talk about injury prevention (particularly when it comes to the back), discuss methods to help you move better day-to-day, and how to effectively structure your strength training routine.
We also talk about how to have longevity in running as we age and as priorities shift and share some fun stories along the way.
This is an episode you're not going to want to miss!
The Nitty Gritty Training Podcast is hosted by Jessica O'Connell, MSc, CSEP-CEP, OLY, and Faye Stenning, BKin, and coaches at Grit Coaching! We offer custom run and strength training for runners, OCR, and hybrid athletes. Check us out!
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