While you’d expect top athletes to be utilising the latest research to help them train harder, longer, faster and win more, it was surprising to me that a lot of this science filters down to amateur levels too. And I can’t say that I’ve been immune to trying the odd bit of advice.
For example, drinking coffee within half an hour of finishing exercise is said (and backed up by a small research study at some US university) to lessen muscle soreness the next day. Apparently it’s the caffeine in it. Ice baths (as favoured by Paula Radcliffe) are said to have the same result. I’ve tried the coffee and I can’t say I noticed a great deal of difference but I think I’ll leave the ice baths to the pros.
What’s most surprising is the amount of disagreement there is on some subjects such as when is best to stretch – before or after exercise, or both? What’s the safest and most efficient running form? Heel landing first or landing flat-footed – or even running on your toes?
I stretch after (although I still ache) and don’t stretch before (mainly out of laziness), and I think I land with my foot flat. What this means for me – the world of running is undecided, but what I do know is that no amount of stretching, changes to my running style or ice baths is going to make putting on my trainers and running out the front door and putting in the miles any easier.