 Like it or not, as triathletes, we are all runners. Some of us thrive on the run, others simply survive. The latter was certainly the case for me when I first broke into triathlon. Running was much more of a chore than it was a hobby. “I am just not made to run,” I would tell myself. I logged miles each week, plodding along, just hoping I would build up enough fitness to “just get through the run.” I would inevitably get nagging injuries along the way and some of those would go away or become more chronic in nature. I assumed that was just part of the process. I could not have been more wrong. It wasn’t until I took a step back and took a serious look at my form and training regimen--along with the help and feedback of others--that I started to make real changes that led to significant improvement in my performance. The reality is, it is hard to do a self-analysis of your running and what you need to improve. You can always run more and train harder, but that usually isn’t the answer. In fact, you may be doing more harm than good, if you're using poor technique and overtraining. I won’t bore you with my whole story, but a large part of why I started my own clinic was to be able to help runners. I do not claim to be an elite runner myself; I am far from it. However, I believe my own experience combined with my background in sports medicine and podiatry has given me a great foundation to help others get the most out of their running. A running analysis can be a very effective tool to give you feedback and coaching on what tendencies or deficiencies you may have in your running form that are either contributing to or predisposing you to injury, as well as hindering your performance. One of our primary objectives here at Endurance Foot and Ankle is to help athletes of all levels maximize their performance while avoiding injury. We offer this service to all runners and triathletes who are either suffering from nagging injuries or want to see an improvement in their performance. It should be noted that this does not require a complete change in your running form. We understand that people come in all shapes and sizes and not every running style is going to look the same. What is important, however, is to focus on a few core principles of good running technique and then you can make small, subtle, incremental changes that can be integrated into your practice and can do wonders for your running. It does not matter what your ability level is, as we have helped clients looking to do their first 5k, to first-time or multiple Ironman finishers, to Boston Marathon qualifiers and ultra runners. A run/gait analysis appointment consists of the following:
Just as swimming and cycling should be fun and enjoyable, so should running! In fact, running can be your strongest discipline. Don’t limit yourself. Don’t buy into the excuse that you “just aren’t made to run.” Don’t believe that getting injured while running is simply part of the process. Even for those who do quite well on the run, don’t believe you have peaked and you can’t improve your performance. You can! With races cancelled or postponed and our training schedules up in the air, there is no better time than now to focus on getting your run dialed in so you will be injury-free and ready to thrive on the run come race season. Feel free to give us a call or send us an email if you are interested or have any questions.  Happy running!
Chris Jones, DPM Endurance Foot and Ankle 175 1st Pl NW Ste B Issaquah, WA 98027 (425) 780-7055 [email protected] Comments are closed.
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