Welcome to runner's knee prime time.

We're in that awkward in-between stage of 4-6 weeks out from various fall marathons and other races...

where body parts start...talking.

And sometimes it feels like they're having a competition of who can talk the loudest. And it's really no wonder when you step back and REALLY LOOK. Because you're probably dealing with....

Increased mileage.

Speed workouts.

Tempos.

Hills.

Maybe you're even needing new shoes so you throw that into the mix and...it's a lot. It's just a lot.

But here's what I want you to take away from this email, EVEN IF you don't have runner's knee.

You can still get SO MUCH done in 4 weeks. So no panicking, ok?

Your body is amazingly adaptable. You just need to give it the right exercises and the right load.

And this applies directly to runner's knee. Because I get it. Your knees have about had it with long runs and down hills are no fun at all.

So that's why this week I wanted to focus on a circuit made for newer runners/ runners newer to marathon training. I got really PT-nerdy with it too, which I don't get to do a whole lot on Instagram because (*le sigh*)...nuance. And the internet expects life changing hacks in 7.4 seconds.

And that's not how this works.

BUT...because you're part of the running fit fam and get run mail, I can spoil you and give you all my secrets.

The BIG SECRET: you can still run and train through pain. But there's nuance to it.

Stress fracture/my foot might fall off pain: please. don't. Your limb is worth more than strava kudos.

Niggle pain that's stupid and moving around and can't make up it's mind: yes, I got you.

Because honestly, that's what physical therapy is: training appropriately through and with pain. That's why body weight exercises AREN'T BAD. Why theraband exercises AREN'T BAD. Because there are times when those are the tools we NEED.

But they're not the tools you use permanently .

That's why I love writing circuits like this week's blog post and working with my 1:1 runners: because we get into the weeds and find a way to keep you running, crush pain, all while making you stronger beyond your wildest dreams without telling you to go do 100 air squats and 50 lunges*.

*yes I'm staying salty about that. The Internet can be dumb.

Alright, what do you say we go check out those runners' knee exercises? I promise you, you're race will thank you later ;)

Dare to Train Differently,

Marie Whitt, PT, DPT //@dr.whitt.fit

P.S. Only 4-6 weeks out from your race and your knee is threatening to leave your body? I GOT YOU. Your race is NOT LOST.

Looking for MORE ways to work together?

• ​RUNNING RESCUE CALL: Save your run and your race. Work directly with me 1-on-1 at the first sign of an ache, niggle, or repeat running injury. We'll deep dive into the why behind your injury and create a personalized exercise program that gets you out of pain, keeps you running, and helps prepare you for race day!
• Grab my NEWEST FREE Strength resources for runners: The Calf & Achilles Cure Toolkit, made for marathoners sidelined by stiff, painful achilles and tight, injury-prone calves who want to protect their training cycle and show up to the starting line strong, pain-free, and ready to race.
• ​STRONGER FEET WORKSHOP: Losing the battle to plantar fasciitis, posterior tib pain, or reoccurring Achilles tendonitis? Not with this workshop ;)

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© 2020- 2025 All Rights Reserved. You are receiving this message because you purchased a product from @dr.whitt.fit and/or signed up to receive content. This message is for informational purposes only and does not create a health care provider-patient relationship between you and Marie Whitt, and nothing you receive or view from Marie Whitt or @dr.whitt.fit, should be construed as medical advice.