Long distance running recruits specific muscle groups that are required to work repetitively and reliably. If these muscles are primed for their specific use, performance is enhanced and the risk of injury is markedly reduced.

From about eight weeks prior to and for many weeks after the London Marathon a steady number of runners come limping through our door. Most have injuries that could have been avoided had they included Core Fitness training in conjunction with their running. Running long distance demands a lot from the dynamic muscles that propel the legs and body forwards.

Quadriceps, hamstrings and calf muscles are the muscles that are particularly being put through their paces in preparation for the London Marathon.

Training runs vary in length, intensity and type of terrain. Muscles are stretched, massaged and pummelled, but is all of this enough? If you want to avoid injury and maximise muscle power the answer lies elsewhere:

	A professional check with a chartered physiotherapist who specialises in muscle imbalances can highlight previously undetected muscle imbalances. See FITNESSCHECK
	If you do have muscle imbalances incorporating core muscle training into your fitness regime is invaluable. See CORE FITNESS