The Women's Running Lab

E26 - Why Runners Get Upper Back Pain – and the Best Ways to Prevent It


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In this episode, Alison discusses her experience with neck and back pain during long runs and speed work while training for a half marathon. She explains how poor posture, like hunching over and forward head posture, contributes to these pains. Alison shares the strategies she used to address these issues, including breathwork exercises like hooklying breathing and diaphragmatic breathing, along with strength training that focuses on maintaining a proper "stack" posture. She also touches on the differences in posture and breathing between slower-paced runs and speed work, recommending similar post-workout resets for both. Alison also highlights her course, Breathe to Perform, which teaches breathing techniques for better oxygen efficiency and improved fitness. She encourages listeners to check out the course and share the podcast if they found the information helpful.

Resources Mentioned:

  • Hooklying Breathing Video
  • Sucker Punch Rockback Breathing
  • Breath to Perform: Breath to Perform will help you understand the science behind your breath and put some simple breathing exercises into practice that have the potential to take your running performance to the next level.


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The Women's Running LabBy Alison Marie, PhD