Since I haven’t been running for the last month and a half (basically since Blue Lake), I haven’t had any issues with my IT Band. Although that doesn’t mean I won’t when I start again…I haven’t been very diligent about doing my hip exercises or working with the foam roller. I kind of started a new quick strength routine that involves full squats, side lunges, pull ups, dips, and shoulder presses, the emphasis being on upper body work since I was having rotator cuff issues (which have abated since my break short from swimming and lots of icing), although I’ve only been doing that about once a week. I’m thinking squats are the way to go to just strengthen everything, since i don’t really feel like doing a few stupid leg lifts really does anything. I throw in some side lunges for good measure, helps with lateral movement and balance. I meant to take up roller blading to strengthen that movement, but after my first attempt and all the blood that ensued, I haven’t tried again. But I will soon.
With all the biking I’ve been doing, I would expect to be tighter in a lot of places, but the thing that’s really made me loose and rarely sore has been doing yoga every day during the week (M-F). The 2 videos that I have come to love are Power Yoga for Flexibility (25 mins) and Yoga for Athletes (55mins). The first one really stretches out the hamstrings and calves which I really need, and the second focuses on spinal twists and hip openers. For a long time I was doing it about 2 or 3 times a week which helped a little bit, but I really noticed a HUGE difference doing it 5 times a week. I would highly recommend it to anyone who feels tight/sore a lot. Especially the power yoga video, since it’s so short. I just wake up and do it immediately in the morning, it’s a fabulous way to start your mornings.
