What happens when your hamstring, IT band, or Achilles starts hurting in the middle of marathon training? Do you really need to stop running completely?
Not necessarily!
In Episode 307 of the Healthy Runner Podcast, I'm sharing an insightful conversation I had with Carolyn Coffin from the Inspired Soles Podcast about 3 of the most common injuries that can derail marathon training and what you can actually do about them without automatically giving up running.
We take a deep dive into:
🏃🏻♀️ Proximal hamstring tendinopathy: Why stretching that nagging pain near your sit bone may actually make it worse and what to do instead
🦵🏼 IT band syndrome: Why foam rolling and stretching your IT band isn't fixing the root problem and how hip strength plays a role
🦶🏼 Achilles tendinopathy: How progressive tendon loading can help you rebuild strength and when it's appropriate to add more advanced exercises
We also talk about how to modify your training when something hurts, why "hero workouts" can get runners into trouble, the risks of changing shoes too quickly, and why a simple dynamic warm-up can be so valuable for staying healthy.
The big takeaway?
An injury doesn't always mean you need to completely stop running.
With smart load management, appropriate strength training, and the right modifications, many runners can continue moving forward while addressing the underlying problem.
Whether you're currently dealing with a hamstring, IT band, or Achilles pain or you simply want to prevent these common injuries from derailing your next marathon training cycle, this episode will give you practical strategies to help you keep running healthy and strong.
🏃🏻♀️ Dealing With One of These Running Injuries? Grab Your FREE Injury Playbook!
Don't let that nagging pain derail your training. I've created step-by-step resources to help you understand what's causing your pain, what to avoid, and the exercises you can start doing to get back to healthy running.
👇🏼 Choose the FREE playbook that matches your injury:
🦵🏼 IT Band Pain: Get the Ultimate IT Band Pain Playbook here
🦶🏼 Achilles Pain: Get the Ultimate Achilles Pain Playbook here
🏃🏻♀️ High Hamstring Pain: Get the Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy Playbook here
Pick the injury you're dealing with and start taking the right steps toward running healthy and strong again!
A big thanks to Kila for your support for this episode!
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As a running physical therapist and coach, I appreciate that Kila provides a more dynamic alternative to traditional rigid orthotics while allowing your feet to move more naturally.
Visit kilarun.com and use code HEALTHYRUNNER to get $50 off your first order!
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If you're ready for structured strength plans, progressive return-to-run programming, and coaching support so you're not guessing week to week, join the Healthy Runner Academy waitlist
Looking for 1-on-1 guidance, structure, support, and accountability? Check out our signature Spark Healthy Runner Coaching here!
👋🏼 New here?
I'm Dr. Duane Scotti, former physical therapy professor turned full-time running coach, running physical therapist, and 8x marathoner 🏅
I help everyday runners stop nagging injuries, get stronger, and finally feel confident in their training by blending rehab-level expertise with performance training.
If you found this helpful, make sure to follow the Healthy Runner Podcast and share this episode with a runner who needs to hear it.
Connect with Carolyn Coffin:
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