One thing I've learned is that for some things, go to the expert. For example, getting properly fitted for running sneakers. You or I looking at our feet probably wouldn't know what kind of shoe to wear, so best to rely on someone who does. Another area where I turned to the expert is injury prevention and treatment.
Of course you'd go see someone if you are injured or have pain, right? Wrong. Too many people run through pain. It took me far too long to realize that if something is hurting when you run, your body is yelling at you to stop and re-evaluate what you are doing. It could be the shoes, or maybe a long term injury that you thought "comes with the territory". Our bodies are made to run (think back to when you were 5, you ran everywhere), so if there's pain, there is probably a reason.
Of course you'd go see someone if you are injured or have pain, right? Wrong. Too many people run through pain. It took me far too long to realize that if something is hurting when you run, your body is yelling at you to stop and re-evaluate what you are doing. It could be the shoes, or maybe a long term injury that you thought "comes with the territory". Our bodies are made to run (think back to when you were 5, you ran everywhere), so if there's pain, there is probably a reason.
My right knee has always given me some trouble. For years it hasn't felt as good as my left, which feels strong and stable in comparison. My left is just a tab more unsteady, and I was experiencing pain during runs. My new shoes took away 85% of the pain (go figure). At the TNT kick off event, there was a physical therapist there who I started talking with. She suggested it might be a good idea to get an overall assessment early in training, to evaluate any muscle weaknesses that may contribute to existing pain or injuries down the road. I made an appointment the following Monday.
My assessment didn't reveal anything spectacular. I knew I (thankfully) didn't have too many major issues, but what it did reveal was quite a large muscle imbalance in my lower body. My left leg and hip were a lot stronger than my right, which resulted in knee pain in the latter.
Long story short, two months of PT and a series of stretches and strengthening exercises later, my left leg/knee is feeling good. One of the things I do regularly is foam roll. It's a piece of foam (that's probably worth about $1.00, but which running stores sell for about $20), that you lay on and roll your leg muscles over, especially the side of the leg where your IT band runs from the hips to the knee. It's like a deep tissue massage, but for much less. At first it is extremely painful, but overtime the IT band loosens and becomes more pliable. It then better supports the knee and help it track properly.
The IT band... it's a good find!
My assessment didn't reveal anything spectacular. I knew I (thankfully) didn't have too many major issues, but what it did reveal was quite a large muscle imbalance in my lower body. My left leg and hip were a lot stronger than my right, which resulted in knee pain in the latter.
Long story short, two months of PT and a series of stretches and strengthening exercises later, my left leg/knee is feeling good. One of the things I do regularly is foam roll. It's a piece of foam (that's probably worth about $1.00, but which running stores sell for about $20), that you lay on and roll your leg muscles over, especially the side of the leg where your IT band runs from the hips to the knee. It's like a deep tissue massage, but for much less. At first it is extremely painful, but overtime the IT band loosens and becomes more pliable. It then better supports the knee and help it track properly.
The IT band... it's a good find!
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