A Physiotherapist’s Perspective from Evado Studios
With the Melbourne Marathon fast approaching, runners across Victoria are hitting their peak training weeks. At Evado Studios, we’re seeing more and more runners. Some are chasing personal bests, others hoping to cross the finish line injury-free.
As physiotherapists, we love seeing our clients move well and perform at their best. But this time of year, we also see a rise in preventable injuries caused by overtraining, muscle imbalances, and skipping recovery.
Let’s explore the most common running injuries, why cross-training is often the missing link, and how Evado Studios can support you all the way to race day.
Common Running Injuries We See at Evado
Running is a repetitive, high-impact activity. Without proper support, it can take a toll on the body. Here are five common injuries we treat at Evado:
- Runner’s Knee
Pain around or behind the kneecap, often caused by poor hip strength, faulty running mechanics, or increasing mileage too quickly. - Shin Splints
Pain along the inner shinbone, typically from sudden spikes in training load or improper footwear. - Achilles Tendinopathy
Stiffness and pain at the back of the ankle, especially in the morning—linked to tight calves or weak lower limb strength. - Plantar Fasciitis
Sharp heel pain, particularly with the first few steps of the day. Often related to poor foot control and reduced ankle mobility. - IT Band Syndrome
Outer knee pain that worsens during longer runs. Often due to weak glutes and poor hip stability.
Why Many Runners Ignore Cross-Training (and Why You Shouldn’t)
We get it, runners love to run. But many don’t realise that cross-training isn’t just for when you're injured, it’s a performance tool that supports better running.
At Evado, we often see runners who:
- Avoid strength work
- Skip recovery days
- Repeat the same type of running over and over
This approach leads to burnout, plateaus, and injury. Cross-training isn’t a backup plan—it’s a performance strategy.
The Benefits of Cross-Training for Runners
Integrating cross-training into your program can:
- ✅ Reduce overuse injuries
- ✅ Improve strength, stability & posture
- ✅ Enhance recovery between sessions
- ✅ Maintain cardiovascular fitness with less impact
Activities like strength training, Clinical Pilates, cycling, and mobility work help build a more durable, efficient runner—without adding extra stress to your joints and muscles. If you're chasing a new PB, this might be the missing piece in your training.
How Evado Studios Helps Runners Prepare for Melbourne Marathon
At Evado Studios, we offer a unique combination of physiotherapy, Clinical Exercise, gym access, and strength & conditioning—all under one roof!
We support runners by providing:
- Injury assessments & hands-on treatment
- Running technique analysis & load management
- Tailored strength & cross-training programs
- Clinical Exercise/Pilates to enhance core strength & mobility
- Whether you're managing a niggle, returning from injury, or wanting to improve performance, we create individualised plans to help you reach your goals safely.
Final Thoughts…
As marathon day gets closer, your training needs to support, not strain your body. If you’re noticing tightness, soreness, or fatigue, don’t wait for it to worsen. Cross-training might be the simple shift that helps you finish strong.
Our expert team at Evado Studios is here to guide you every step of the way.
Let’s get you to the start line feeling strong, and across the finish line injury-free.