Steve Manning, intraining podiatrist, coach, runner and QUT podiatry lecturer<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n One of the best ways to run faster with less effort is by incorporating plyometric drills into your training. Plyometric drills can include things like jumping, skipping, split lunges and bounding. <\/span><\/p>\n Research has shown that these drills have the greatest impact on your running performance in the least amount of training time. The downside is that there is an increased injury risk while doing them, so it\u2019s important to know how to safely incorporate them into your training regime. <\/span><\/p>\n These drills work on the elastic component of the muscle\u2014the part of the muscle that stores energy from landing and then returns that energy like a spring as you push off. This elastic component is critical to distance running efficiency.<\/span><\/p>\n The Achilles tendon and the deep fascia connective tissue that surrounds the calf muscle are the most important elastic tissues for runners. The thicker and stiffer your Achilles, the better it is able to store the energy from landing. Plyometric drills can increase the strength of the Achilles tendon by changing the size and strength of each muscle fibre in the Achilles, as well as its overall width and resistance to stretching.<\/span><\/p>\n Plyometric drills can be a very effective way to faster running through building a stronger Achilles tendon. The podiatry team at the intraining Running Injury Clinic are all runners and can provide advice on the best drill techniques and training tips to minimise your risk of injury. <\/span><\/p>\nWhy are plyometric drills so effective?<\/h2>\n
How to safely incorporate plyometric drills into your training<\/h2>\n
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