
Introduction to the primary instructor and objectives of the course.
Discussion of how and why we are all designed to be runners.
Phases of running gait and different foot-strike patterns.
How to mitigate the five most common running-related injuries.
Best exercises to help prevent injury and enhance performance in runners.
Foot posture, heel-to-toe drop, minimalist vs. maximalist footwear, pros/cons of forefoot/minimalist running, orthotics, stretching, cadence, training when pregnant, and running throughout the lifespan.
Introduction to the six different exercise modules: mobility, dynamic warm-up, and muscle performance (levels 1-4) exercises.
Learn a dynamic walking hamstring stretch that targets the back of the thigh. Keep your back straight, chest up, and take big steps while leaning forward.
Perform a knee-to-chest pull by pulling your knees high towards your chest as you walk, focusing on lifting motions and controlled execution.
Use a dynamic warm-up to wake explosive muscles and boost blood flow before runs, avoiding static stretching that can reduce power; mobility drills warm you up without hindering performance.
Perform the lateral shuffle to stay low with hips back, driving the movement through your glutes as you shuffle side to side with chest up.
Learn and perform a high-knee skip drill, driving your knees up high and keeping tall as you practice, even if it feels tricky at first.
Develop toe dexterity by alternately lifting the big toe and the lesser toes, strengthening the small foot muscles that stabilize the toes for pain-free running.
Perform the standing fire hydrant with a band, activate the hips and hold 30 seconds, keep the belly tight and hips out to mirror running and prevent knee caving.
Strengthen the soleus and calf with knee-flexed heel raises, emphasizing slow ankle motion and controlled descent. Use double-leg and single-leg variations, knees bent, 8–12 reps.
Perform a single leg deadlift with or without light weights, focusing on hip hinge, balance, hamstring and glute engagement, and maintaining chest up for proper form.
Perform rear-foot elevated split squat by starting in position, kicking the rear foot back, dropping into a squat with the front leg bearing most work to target glute and quad.
My goal with this course is to improve every runner's confidence that they can reach their full potential while making it fun and rewarding.
28+% of runners sustain some sort of running-related injury over the course of any given year with many of these injuries being highly preventable.
With my background as a physical therapist, fitness coach, and former D1 collegiate runner, I intend on providing the most actionable and evidence-based content to help prevent these injuries while improving running times.
This course is designed for the beginner to elite runner. I cover many major running-related topics:
Evolution of running: How any why we are all designed to be runners.
Running biomechanics: Deep dive into running gait patterns.
Running-related injuries: How to mitigate the five most common running-related injuries.
Exercises designed for injury prevention and optimizing performance: Cover hip, quad, ankle, and foot strength/performance exercises to ensure your limbs are bulletproof to whatever you throw at them. This section comes with instructional videos to ensure you are performing these exercises with perfect form and effectiveness.
My most commonly asked running-related questions:
Does foot posture and specific running shoes really matter for most runners?
What is heel-to-toe drop and it's relevance to running?
Should I switch to minimalist running shoes?
Should I use orthotics?
Should I be doing static stretching?
Is running cadence important?
Is it okay to train on a treadmill vs. overground?
Is it okay to run during pregnancy?
Does running cause arthritis?
I hope you enjoy!
- Nick Schumacher, PT, DPT, SCS, OCS, FAAOMPT, CSCS
*This course provides information and instruction on strategies to minimize the risk of running-related injuries. It is intended for runners of all levels, from beginners to experienced athletes. The information presented in this course is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is essential for runners to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new training program or if they are experiencing any pain or discomfort.