As the 2014 running season gets underway, here are some unusual ideas that can help increase endurance, reduce injuries, and speed recovery. Quirky as they may sound, they really work!

1. Don’t Just Stand There!

We’ve all been told about the merits of Does Running Burn Fat. But don’t just stand there, go one step further and stretch your calves by rising up and down on your toes, one-legged. Try 10 raises on your right leg, followed by 10 on your left. When starting out, aim for 3-5 sets throughout the course of the day. As your calf strength develops, work up to 8-10 sets daily.

2. Feelin’ Hot, Hot, Hot…

Capsicum, ginger, and turmeric have been shown to have natural anti-inflammatory properties. So, stop popping pills and start chomping chili peppers instead.

3. Deskercize

Jazzercise is so like, 1980’s. Exercising at your desk is the next new thing. Mount a pull-up bar in your office, bring in a mat, and convert one of your old office chairs into a makeshift dip ledge (with your stand up desk, you never use the chair to sit in anymore anyway). Then, throughout the course of the day between emails, conference calls, and deskwork, cycle through sets of pull-ups, sit-ups, push-ups and dips. Both your muscles and your productivity will benefit.

4. Run Errands (literally!)

There’s no such thing as “junk miles” when it comes to running. Every step counts. To that end, get a backpack and for all local trips (i.e. to the post office, bank, convenience store, etc.), run. You don’t have to run fast, just run. The added weight from the pack will provide some strength conditioning as well. Now, I’m not suggesting every run be done in this manner, so keep up your normal training routine, too. Just forego the car for local errands and boost your endurance and strength in the process.

5. Loosen Up

There’s a saying in yoga circles: “Yoga is good for running, but running isn’t good for yoga.” You might not be able to tie yourself into a human pretzel like a master yogi, but Running in the Cold is helpful for a runner. Yoga is beneficial for flexibility, strength and heat-acclimatization (especially with Bikram yoga).

Feelin Hot, Hot, Hot...

Dean