PRG Newsletter – August 2026

August 2026 Performance Running Gym Newsletter

The Injury Playbook for Runners with Dr. Michael Rodriguez

Monday, August 17th from 6-7pm

Ever wondered why runners get injured at such a high rate? In this free interactive workshop, Dr. Michael discusses why runners get injured, how you can prevent injuries from developing in the first place, and reviews key strength training exercises to keep you running injury free.

Fall Trail Loppet Course Preview Run Co-Hosted by PRG

Saturday, 8/22 at 8am – Starting From The Trailhead, 1221 Theodore Wirth Pkwy, Golden Valley, MN

Whether you’re signed up for the Fall Trail Loppet or just interested in learning more about the trails of Theo Wirth Park, this run will be the perfect way to spend a Saturday morning. Preview routes will range from roughly 3 miles to 13.1 miles / the full half-marathon course.

PRG Run Club – Wednesday Night Group Runs

Every Wednesday at 6pm at PRG

Join us each and every Wednesday for a fun, free, community group run starting at PRG! We host 4 and 6 mile routes weekly with paces ranging from walk/jog up to ~9 min/mile.

Tuesday Night Trail Group Runs with The Loppet Foundation

Every Tuesday at 6:30pm at Theodore Wirth Park

We’re excited to be hosting the Loppet Run Club’s Tuesday Night Trails again for 2026! Join Coaches Aaron Boike and David Nogle for a 4 or 6 mile run through beautiful Wirth Park. Pace groups from walk/jog to ~10 min mile will be available.

Member Spotlight: Nick Eugster

Meet Nick. Corporate health care attorney by day, road race enthusiast by night. Nick splits his time between Minneapolis and France, is married with two teenagers, and has been a PRG member for about 2.5 years.

The training philosophy: Nick mostly races road marathons and half marathons these days, but sneaks in a longer trail race once every year or two. His take: trails are for training, roads are for racing.

What keeps him coming back to the gym: The shared pursuit. For Nick, that common pursuit is motivating and comforting in and of itself.

The motivation: Health and longevity, but also competition. Nick continues to challenge himself in his 30s, 40s and now at 50.

Injury Prevention

Strength training can be an important component of running and injury prevention. Key muscle groups highlighted in this newsletter include the calves, lateral hip muscles, and quadriceps.

Calves: The calf muscle complex helps absorb impact forces when landing and is the primary generator of propulsive forces during running. Recommended exercises include seated calf raises, double and single-leg calf raises on a step, and weighted calf raises.

Lateral Hip: The lateral hip muscles stabilize the pelvis and thigh during running. Recommended exercises include lateral band walks, clamshells, quadruped hip abduction, hip abduction machine, and side planks.

Quadriceps: The quads help absorb and propel the body forward, particularly during downhill running. Recommended exercises include squats, lunges, step-ups, knee extensions, and Spanish squats.

Heat Training for Runners

Heat acclimation can help runners adapt to training in warmer conditions. During heat exposure, the body works to cool itself while continuing to support working muscles.

With consistent heat exposure, the body can expand plasma volume, begin sweating more efficiently, lower core temperature and heart rate, and lose fewer electrolytes through sweat.

Runners should gradually expose themselves to heat, adjust pace and intensity while adapting, hydrate appropriately, and watch for signs of heat illness.

Getting a Gait Analysis at Performance Running Gym

Getting a running gait analysis can help you reduce your injury risk, optimize your running form for efficiency and speed, help you select the right footwear, and offer personalized guidance that improves your running experience and performance.

PRG has two certified Gait Analysts who are also certified Running Coaches: Coach Jack Zahn and Coach Landon Tourville.

PRG Community

Performance Running Gym offers Tuesday evening bootcamp, Tuesday Night Trails hosted by PRG, and free Wednesday evening PRG Run Club group runs.

Refer a Friend and Help Grow the PRG Community

PRG members can refer friends to the gym. Referred guests receive enrollment and introductory benefits to help them get started with the PRG community.

Download the PRG App

PRG’s client app allows members and clients to manage their schedules, book appointments for run coaching, personal training and gait analysis, sign up for classes, check upcoming group runs, and receive PRG community updates.