KYLE MCCLURG, CLINCIAL ATHLETIC TRAINER
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN HEALTH WEST

What are the most common patterns you see in runners, cyclists, and triathletes?

Most injuries come from doing too much too soon, or stacking too many high-intensity workouts without enough low-and-slow training. Early in the season especially, people tend to ramp up faster than their body is ready for.

How much of injury comes from overuse versus movement mechanics?

It’s rarely one or the other.

Research shows that allowing the body to move naturally often reduces injury risk. When athletes try to force a mechanical “fix,” it can shift stress somewhere else and lead to new issues. It’s more about balance than correction.

What are early warning signs athletes tend to ignore?

Endurance sports don’t always feel good, aches are part of it.

But sharp pain is different. If you’re feeling the same sharp pain across multiple workouts, that’s a sign something isn’t right and it’s time to get it checked out.

What are you looking for when you evaluate movement?

Rather than focusing strictly on “form,” Kyle looks for muscle imbalances.

He also notes that many athletes are incorrectly labeled as overpronators and pushed toward solutions like stability shoes or orthotics without fully understanding what’s actually happening in the body.

What are common training mistakes, especially early in the season?

The biggest ones are increasing volume too quickly and training too hard too often.

A better approach is to build volume first, then introduce intensity. Establishing a strong aerobic base is key before layering in harder efforts.

What do endurance athletes underestimate about recovery?

Nutrition and timing.

Fueling properly with a balance of carbohydrates and protein is essential for recovery. Stretching after workouts is also more effective, since tissue is more elastic and responsive.

What’s the biggest risk of returning too soon?

Even if something feels better, the tissue may not be fully healed, or surrounding structures may not be strong enough yet.

Jumping back too quickly is like going from not lifting to trying to bench 250 pounds again. The capacity isn’t there yet.

What helps athletes stay consistent year after year?

The athletes who last are the ones who listen to their bodies.

They prioritize hydration and nutrition, incorporate strength or cross-training, and give themselves permission to take a day off when needed.

For someone who doesn’t consider themselves a serious athlete, how do you approach that?

Kyle is quick to point out he considers himself a “back-of-the-packer.”

The focus isn’t on pace or comparison. It’s about your goals, your timeline, and your experience. When people stop measuring themselves against others, they’re more likely to stay consistent and avoid injury.

What’s the goal of your work?

It’s both short-term and long-term.

Sometimes it’s about getting someone to the start line or across the finish line of an upcoming race. Other times, it’s about stepping back and focusing on long-term health and durability.

Either way, the goal is the same: keep people moving.

Why This Matters

Sports medicine isn’t just for elite athletes.

At University of Michigan Health-West, the focus is on helping people of all levels stay active, recover well, and take a more thoughtful approach to their health.

If something feels off, or if you’re looking for guidance before it does, you can call 616-252-7778 or visit their sports medicine team online.