CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, ILLINOIS

If there is anything runners have in common, it is our outright disdain for one thing: Stretching. Stretching before a run? No way! I have no time and I’m anxious to get going. After my run? Definitely not. I stink and I just want to slam the cheeseburger I rightfully earned. Before work?  Still tired […]

Lace-up your shoes, go for a run, take off shoes, and end of the session. Sound familiar? If your run time follows this pattern, you are not alone. Most runners admit they give little attention to recovery and cooling off after a long run. However, if you want to improve performance or are prone to […]

As you ramp up your training for the 2024 Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend, consider adding foods to your plan to help you lower inflammation. Soreness and inflammation are common when you change your workouts, increase mileage, or stress your body in new ways. And for some of us, feeling creaky and stiff is also […]

Hamstring injuries can be one of the most common injuries in sports and can be related to running. Despite being one of the most common injuries, the mechanism (the cause) of the injury is still very poorly understood and requires more research. So, what do we know currently about hamstring injuries and their relationship to […]

Returning to running postpartum can feel daunting. Even as an avid runner and physical therapist, I wasn’t really sure where to start after I had my daughter last summer. With the pressure of wanting to get ready for an upcoming race, I was very eager to get running again. I thought that I could jump […]

How do you optimize recovery after training? You want to get the most out of your training, whether it’s exercising on your treadmill on those icy weather days when you can’t get outside, lifting weights, attending water exercise class for cross training, or walking at a fast pace. Going into workouts well-nourished is essential, but […]

How do you maximize your training? It starts with preparing for your workout by getting a good night’s sleep, hydrating as soon as you wake up (drink at least 16 ounces of water, coffee, tea, juices, and your favorite morning beverages), and fueling your body with easy-to-digest foods to provide you with the energy you […]

Want to earn free ASICS race swag? Our Referral Rewards program is back! If you can get three people to sign up to complete any distance at the 2024 Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend, you’ll receive a REUNITED ASICS triblend tee that celebrates this year’s theme! How can you take part? It’s as easy as […]

The last four years have been unique for our community and our event. There’s been a lot lost—opportunities to be together, loved ones who are no longer with us, and goals put on hold. Yet, I keep finding bright spots amid dark times—and so many of those bright spots have been YOU. Our amazing Christie […]

Getting ready for race day is just as important as the training itself. A successful race day involves planning proper fueling, logistics, traveling, and gear. Race day logistics can feel overwhelming—especially if you are running a course in an unfamiliar area. These race day tips will set you up for success. Stick to your usual […]