Running is a fabulous workout and it offers amazing health benefits. While few practices running for short distances, some might go that extra mile of 5 kilometers a day, at least thrice a week, in order to build up stamina and muscle power.

Besides running regularly, participating in a half (21.1 km) or full marathon (42 km) or a 5k or 10k run is a fad among all age groups but it’s no easy task. You must train consistently, with an undeterred focus on improving your speed, muscle strength, balance and stamina. 

Quite often, people tend to think that running a considerable distance every day will suffice to complete a long-distance challenge. However, it is important to bear in mind that a strong core of 5 central muscle groups is also vital, to supply more oxygen to muscles and help achieve this feat.

The 5 Central Muscle Groups:

Glute Muscles:

Present in the region of the buttocks

Quadriceps:

Found in the front of the thighs

Hamstrings:

Muscle groups at the back of the thighs

Calf Muscles:

Run down the lower leg, from knees to ankles

Hip Flexors:

Flexible tissues in the pelvis, lower back and spine

In addition, fitness experts suggest proper warming and cooling down exercises before and after the feat, in order to avert muscle-related complications in the future.

Performing certain simple strength training exercises twice a week will help build power in these muscle groups. In this way, injuries can be averted, along with improved body balance and enhanced endurance capacity.

If you love running for long distances, read on how you can prepare your core muscles with these simple exercises.

5 Effective Exercises for Powering Through A Long-Distance Run:

Perform each of the below-mentioned routines for ten iterations.

1. Squat to Overhead Press:

Stand erect, with feet a little apart. Hold small weights in both hands. Squat down completely and then raise your body and hands all the way up, putting pressure with the weights.

2. Forward Lunge:

Stand straight, with hands on hips and feet wide apart. Place right foot forward and bend the knee all the way, bringing it back slowly to the initial position. Alternate with the left foot.

3. Rotating Shoulder Press:

Be in an upright position, holding down weights in both hands. Slightly spread your feet. Turn your hip towards the left, raising the right arm fully above, pressing on the shoulder. Do the same sequence to the right, raising the left arm.

4. Full Body Plank:

Lay flat on your front. Slowly lift your feet, balancing on the toes. Now, gradually heave your upper body with your hands and balance the torso in a steady position, like a plank.

5. Hip Twist:

Be seated on the floor, with legs stretched out front. Slowly bend your body backward and hold this posture. Now, twist your hips to the right, bring it to the center and twist to the left.

Strength training is very crucial for long-distance runners, to prevent the risk of injury, increase oxygen flow to muscles and improve balance and sustenance. Following an arduous workout, perform some simple cool down exercises to relax the strained muscles

Combining routine practice runs to augment endurance, along with effective strength training exercises will guarantee a successful finish, at your next athletic endeavor.