Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most prevalent medical conditions treated in the United States and throughout the western world.
Avoiding the following most common mistakes can save you from costly medical visits, prescriptions, chiropractic visits, and physical therapy services.
More importantly, avoiding injury and LBP insures that you can keep training and racing to your heart’s content!
The question most often asked in regard to the older runner: Is it safe?
The answer is yes! Running can actually help to decrease some of the physiological declines that occur with age.
Who is considered to be an older or masters runner? Typically, masters runners are over the age of 40. Shocked? Me, too!
While it’s true that getting older is not for the faint of heart, it’s also true that if you do nothing, the following age related declines in physical functioning will occur regardless.
After my daughter was born in 2006. Around 400 lbs.
He weighed 250 as a high school freshman and topped off over 400 pounds at age 35.
But he put together a multi-faceted plan to not only lose weight but to become more physically active.
See what he looks like now! Continue Reading →
Jameelah Abdul-Rahim Mujaahid is motivated by family as she completes endurance events nearly every month.
By Henry Howard
Jameelah Abdul-Rahim Mujaahid admits to being “hyper all her life.” The only thing that helps her keep focused is training.
“I have been diagnosed with ADD but I refuse to take medication; I just keep talking to myself so I can remember most things.”
To say that she is an ultra runner is an understatement. Glancing through her completed races on the Ultrasignup website, one will find six-day events, 24-hour races, 100-mile races and more. Mujaahid runs practically an ultra a month. Every month.
Even more impressive is that she is a single mother of five children and works full time. Continue Reading →
Metatarsalgia is a general term that refers to pain in the foot (typically around the ball of the foot).
It’s common in runners, track and field athletes, and for those who participate in high impact related sports (such as basketball and soccer). It’s also commonly associated with overuse syndrome.
Metatarsalgia is pain and irritation at the end of the metatarsal joints near the toes. Potential causes for the pain include: a stress fracture; gout; osteoarthritis; hammertoes; calluses; and pain in the joint from swelling and irritation. It can also be from neuromas, in which nerves tend to bundle and become irritated between the metatarsal heads. Continue Reading →
You’ve trained hard and prepared for this challenge. Now as the minutes tick down to the start of the race, nerves rattle and questions mount. Here are some tips to help you get to the starting line.
By Henry Howard
In a few weeks, I will be at the starting line of my 12th marathon. Even though the past 11 marathons have taught me a lot, I will undoubtedly feel a bit of nerves at the starting line.
Did I train the best I could have? Is my nutrition plan solid? Are those Oreos I ate a month ago going to affect my performance?
Of course, the starting line is way too late to make any adjustments that will create a better outcome. That’s why all the training, tapering and recovering are so crucial. But in the final 24 hours, there are some ways that runners can help themselves. Continue Reading →
Stephanie Laska after winning the Athena Division at the Modesto Marathon
To back up a bit, I’ve lost half of my body weight. Yep, 50%. I currently weigh in the 140s you do the math. I did not have surgery or use any medication.
I lost an average of 10 lbs per month. My journey took about a year and a half. I’ve kept off the weight for three years, and counting. .. Continue Reading →
Running on the machine offers up some benefits when it gets too cold or icy to be out on the roads or trails.
By Henry Howard
OK, so I couldn’t actually justify using the word “love” in the headline as was used in the Dr. Strangeglove movie title that gave me the inspiration for this story.
But I did find that running on the treadmill was actually palatable during bitter winter days or when sidewalks and roads still had icy spots.
Not as enjoyable mind you as an outdoor run in spring or fall when the temperature feels just right. And certainly not as enjoyable as an invigorating trail run. Continue Reading →
Imagine how much the average person actually slouches during a day.
Slouching during breakfast, then hunched over the kitchen sink to wash dishes, slouching while driving a car, and then slouching while sitting at work or at a school desk.
Don’t forget about slouching while texting, watching TV or using the computer. When you are not slouching, you’re bending over to clean or pick up children and/or pets. The list of slouching possibilities is endless!
Now envision your running posture. Does it look any different? Many of us run in a forward head and rounded shoulders position–a slouched posture! Runners experience many of the same aches and pains as their sedentary counter parts. Upper back and neck pain is a common occurrence. The most typical cause is almost always poor posture. Continue Reading →
Over the river and through the woods will take runners on a journey often more satisfying than a road run. Here’s what to know before you take to the trails.
By Henry Howard
If you are like me, you started out running on the roads or a treadmill. Your first race was probably a 5K on a paved road or maybe a paved trail in a community park.
Since those early days, I have gravitated toward running trails.
In fact, three of my nine long-distance races this year were trail runs — my first full marathon on a trail in Wisconsin, as well as two half marathons, one at night and one during the morning.
The most common cause of pain along the inside (medial) portion of your ankle when running may also be associated with the most common reason for adult acquired flatfoot.
It’s likely something most of us haven’t ever heard of before. Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD), also known as posterior tibial tendon syndrome or tibialis posterior syndrome, can develop into a tibialis posterior tendon insufficiency which causes a fallen arch. Continue Reading →
photo credit: Keith Facchino
By Henry Howard
Francesca Conte grew up in Italy where high school sports are not very well developed. Since then she has made up for lost time. Continue Reading →
