What are the Benefits of Video Gait Analysis?
Have you ever considered participating in a video running analysis? They can be beneficial to runners for several reasons. With improved form, your running economy improves, leading to less wasted energy and potentially, a quicker pace! Your risk for injury can also be reduced, allowing you to continue running and to reach all of your goals in the future. Whether you are a seasoned runner looking to reach new goals, a runner who has recently taken time off due to an injury, or someone who is completely new to running, a Video Gait Analysis (VGA) can help!
Does Running Cause Arthritis?
As a runner, I have been told by friends or family that running will “wear out your joints,” that “it causes osteoarthritis,” and that it “is bad for your knees.” Although most of these comments were few and far between, they stuck with me. Since becoming a physical therapist, I started to hear comments like this more frequently. However, this does not line up exactly with my understanding of the human body and how it responds to various stimuli. So I explored the question: Does running cause arthritis and should I be worried?
The Dreaded Side Stitch
“When things look worst, we run the most.” This is a quote from Christopher McDougall in the famous book Born to Run and how, in times of great stress, we run. McDougall mentions three times in this country’s history that there have been substantial running booms: the Great Depression, Vietnam, and September 11th1. “Maybe it was a coincidence. Or maybe there’s a trigger in the human psyche, a coded response that activates our first and greatest survival skill when we sense the raptors approaching.” – Born to Run.
It is reasonable to think that we are currently in the midst of this country’s fourth running boom due to the uncertainty surrounding the Coronavirus. So, now is the perfect opportunity to speak on one of the more common symptoms with running: the dreaded side stitch.
3 Reasons to Run a Virtual Race
It is a runner’s worst nightmare! You have spent weeks and months training for the big race that has been circled on the calendar, then disaster strikes and the race is canceled. A few years ago, this would mean hanging up the running shoes or finding a different race down the road. Luckily, in this day and age due to the coronavirus pandemic, runners have a wonderful new option in the form of virtual races.
5 Tips for Your First Marathon
So you’ve decided to run your first marathon. A decision not taken lightly, with preparations likely well under way. You probably have many thoughts and emotions running through your head and might not be sure what to expect come race day. Whether you’re just starting out or are already well into your training, these tips will help to you prepare well and make your first marathon experience a success.
How to Avoid Burnout During Marathon Training
We’ve all been there before. The dread of the alarm going off at 4am. Checking the weather multiple times only to see the heat index is still indeed in the 90s. Sometimes it may manifest in the form of excuses….. “I had a long day, maybe I’ll skip this run today.”
Burnout. It’s a thing.
7 Tips for Your Half Marathon Training
Spring is a great time to start training for your first, fifth or tenth half-marathon. No matter how many races you have participated in, you can always use helpful tips to make the most of your run come race day.
Reaching the Top: Tips for Your Next Stair Climb
I registered on a whim for my first Hustle Up the Hancock stair climb thinking it would be something cool and unique. However, my rationale for registering did not provide the best parameters for designing a training program.