Is heel striking really bad for runners? Despite its reputation, rearfoot striking is the most common footstrike pattern among both recreational and elite runners. This evidence-based guide explores the research on rearfoot vs forefoot strike, running efficiency, injury risk, gait analysis, and why factors like cadence, overstriding, and strength training may matter more than where your foot lands.

Pregnancy and postpartum fitness are full of outdated advice and confusion. We’re answering common questions active women have about running, lifting, core work, leaking, pressure, and returning to exercise with confidence.

When can you safely return to running postpartum — 6 weeks, 12 weeks, or sooner? The truth: it’s not only about time, but about functional readiness. Learn what research says, what criteria matter, and how to build back safely with guidance from Boston-based physical therapists.

When can you safely return to running postpartum — 6 weeks, 12 weeks, or sooner? The truth: it’s not only about time, but about functional readiness. Learn what research says, what criteria matter, and how to build back safely with guidance from Boston-based physical therapists.

IT Band Syndrome is one of the most common running injuries, but it’s often misunderstood and mistreated. Learn what the IT band really is, why it causes pain, the typical symptoms runners experience, and what actually works for treatment. Our Boston-based physical therapy team breaks it down so you can get back to pain-free miles.

Sudden long-run spikes — not weekly mileage totals — may be the real driver of running injuries. A new 2025 study tracked more than 5,200 runners and found that increasing a single run by more than 10% compared to your longest run in the past month significantly raises your risk of overuse injury. For Boston runners training for marathons or rebuilding postpartum, the message is clear: train smarter, progress gradually, and keep your long runs consistent.

Leaking while running? Feeling pelvic pressure or discomfort? Your pelvic floor could be the missing piece. Learn how it impacts your stride, when symptoms signal a problem, and what to do about it. Written by runner-specialists at The Run Rx in Somerville, MA.

I’m a Physical Therapist and strength coach who specializes in treating and training runner’s, detailed gait analysis and pre and postnatal exercise. I’m sharing my postpartum return to run story.

Sharing my own story as a physical therapist and running specialist with running and training during pregnancy.

All the ways your body adapts with pregnancy and exercise plus preparing for your postpartum return to run.

How the simplest things like breathing and posture play a role in your pregnant and postpartum running plus tips.

Women are far more likely to get injured and drop out of running than men. The mechanical, nutritional, biological and life reason why and how to incorporate strength nutrition and good movement for all female runners including pregnant and postpartum runners.