BONUS: The Science on Track podcast; Week-to-Week Changes in Running Volume

We like to introduce our listeners to other track/field podcasts that might interest them and bring you value. Today we feature the Science on Track podcast from Evan Nelson. Show notes are below.

Go find Science on Track podcast on your favorite podcast app and give them a follow/subscribe and leave them a review. ENJOY!

🎙️ Podcast: Science on Track – Week-to-Week Changes in Running Volume

Host: Evan O. Nelson - Associate Professor, Physical Therapist and Director of the Velocity Project

Guests:

• Dr. Mikel Joachim – Research Program Manager, University of Wisconsin

• Coach Jane Wheeler – Head Girls Cross Country Coach, Pleasant Valley High School, Bettendorf, Iowa

https://velocityproject.fammed.wisc.edu

🧪 Study Overview

The episode centers on a research study titled:“Week-to-week changes in training were not prospectively associated with injuries among Wisconsin High School cross-country runners” (published in Injury Prevention, 2024).

https://injuryprevention.bmj.com/content/early/2024/07/31/ip-2024-045233

🔍 Study Purpose

To investigate whether week-to-week changes in training volume (distance, duration, intensity) are associated with injury risk in high school cross-country runners.

📊 Key Findings

• No significant association was found between week-to-week changes in training volume and injury risk.

• Most runners in the study averaged 20–30 miles per week, with few exceeding 50 miles.

• Preseason training had a strong protective effect:

• Every additional 5K (~3 miles) run per week in the preseason reduced injury risk by 17%.

• Coaches’ day-to-day training modifications likely play a major role in injury prevention, even if not captured in weekly data.

🧠 Insights from the Guests

🧑‍🔬 Dr. Mikel Joachim:

• Null results suggest that current coaching practices in Wisconsin high school programs are effective in managing injury risk.

• The study relied on daily text surveys during COVID, with athletes self-reporting training and injuries.

• Emphasized the importance of holistic athlete monitoring, including stress, sleep, and other sports participation.

🏃‍♀️ Coach Jane Wheeler:

• Reinforced the importance of individualized coaching and preseason preparation.

• Noted that injury risk is multifactorial, often influenced by training history, biomechanics, and external stressors.

• Advocated for flexibility in coaching and communication with athletes to adapt training in real time.

🧩 Practical Takeaways for Coaches

• Preseason training matters: Encourage consistent summer/winter running to reduce injury risk.

• Small weekly increases (up to 30%) in training volume appear safe.

• The 10% rule is not strongly supported by evidence—coaches can be more flexible.

• Monitor athletes holistically: Consider stress, sleep, and other commitments.

• Build strong coach-athlete relationships to better detect and respond to early signs of injury.

#velocityproject #highschoolcrosscountry #highschooltrack #highschooltrackandfield #trackcoaches #crosscountrycoaches #injuryprevention #runninginjury

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