How would you train a client in her late 50s who is training for a half marathon?
My client is in great shape and keeps up her runs with a local running club. She works with me twice each week to supplement her running. I’m not able to do vertical jumping as per her chiropractor (was only doing 1-2 sets 1x per week) and single-leg work seems to aggravate an old ankle/calf injury. Basically I can’t do any of the regular things I would do with my runners. Any suggestions?
Hi Ariana,
While you have already received many good suggestions, before providing any specific input, it would be beneficial to know more about the clients running history and how long she has to prepare before running the half marathon. If she is new to running you need to build her “base” mileage gradually. An increase of 10% per week is usually safe progression. If this is her first half marathon she should be running just to finish and not be targeting a specific time goal.
With that being said, plyometrics or any type of interval training is really not necessary. This is especially true for this client since you indicated she had some problems with a previous ankle and calf injury. As others mentioned I would definitely work on strengthening her core. I would also add some regular and single leg squats, lunges, and some hip flexor stretches. The key for this client is to get her to the starting line healthy. This can be done with moderate and sensible training progression, and by improving her stability.
Based on the above information given,
I would work on total-body exercises, work with the tempo at which the exercersis are done, and specific running form movements such as different skipping movements, and hip and glute movements.
I am in total agreement with N. Smith, cross train and teach her how to listen to her body.
Good luck,
Shlomo
#shlomotrained
Based on the information that you provided, it sounds that she is doing her running with her running group, however, you can always work on speed-work and hills on the treadmill as part of her training session. Sometimes, these types of runs are best when in a controlled environment. Also, I highly recommend having her attend cycling classes to improve her overall muscle endurance and improve her base HR. Lastly, as part of your training session, Pilates and yoga type exercises would be best to improve her gait and stride. If there is a combination of all of these workouts, she will have phenomenal success.