Strength

Strength + Mobility Stack

12-minute micro-sessions to keep ankles stable, hips strong, and your stride elastic.

1) Ankles & Feet

Single-leg calf raises (bent/straight), short-foot drills, banded eversion/inversion. 3x/week, 8–12 reps. Pairs well with Mindful Pacing to maintain cadence on descents.

2) Hips & Glutes

Split squats, hip airplanes, band walks. Emphasize control over load; 2–3 sets of 6–8 reps per side. Supports stability for Trail Safety on technical terrain.

3) Core & Posture

Dead bugs, side planks with reach, Pallof presses. Keep ribs stacked over hips and breathe through the brace.

4) Mobility Snacks

90/90 hip switches, ankle rocks, thoracic openers. 5 minutes post-run to preserve range without adding fatigue. Perfect after long runs with Fueling practice.

5) Weekly Structure

Two strength days, two mobility snacks, one stability finisher after an easy run. Keep total time under 30 minutes. If soreness rises, follow Recovery Protocols and drop one set.

Session Template

- Warmup: 3 min jump rope or fast walk
- Strength: 2 circuits x (split squat, calf raise, dead bug)
- Mobility: 5 min hips/ankles
- Finish: 30s single-leg balance eyes-closed

Cross-Link Your Plan

Strength Lab: Extend & Progress

Progressive overload, minimal time.

Micro Progressions

  • Weeks 1-2: Bodyweight only, 2x10 per leg split squats.
  • Weeks 3-4: Add backpack load (5-10kg), 3x8 per leg.
  • Weeks 5-6: Tempo 3-1-1 split squats + single-leg calf raises.
  • Week 7+: Alternate heavy day (low reps) and stability day (high reps).

Common Ache Fixes

  • Plantar flare: Toe yoga + calf eccentrics; reduce downhill volume. Pair with trail care.
  • Knee niggle: Step-downs 3x8/side, hip abduction, mini-band walks.
  • Low-back tight: 90/90 breathing, dead bug 3x10, suitcase carry 3x30m.
  • Check Recovery for load management.

Time-Crunched Stack

  1. 6 min prime: Jump rope 2', hip openers, ankle rocks.
  2. 10 min strength: 2 rounds: split squat, single-leg RDL, push-up, plank.
  3. 4 min mobility: Couch stretch, calf wall hold, thoracic reach.

Anchor to easy days; align with pacing and fueling for best carryover.