Thinking of a half or full marathon or taking up running to Get Fit ...

Do not take running for granted. It is a dynamic ballistic activity that puts significant loading and stresses through more structures than we would care to mention ...get fit to run ... run to get fitter.

If you have never done a half or full marathon before it is worth your while to have a musculoskeletal assessment or screening which should highlight potential injury due to muscle imbalance or weakness. Simple but challenging exercises will be prescribed to strengthen or stretch the areas that need addressing. These would be performed as part of your training programme, enhancing and strengthening your running ability.

It is my experience that most people, if they are reasonably fit and healthy, can progressively build through a sensible training programme to run about 5 miles without a problem. It is when the runner extends the mileage to the 8, 9, 10 mile mark that the problems usually start, as a consequence of key muscle fatigue leading to loss of good running style or poor biomechanics which can cause a variety of overload problems and PAIN. The runner continues to run through pain instead of stopping immediately, causing an injury that may not heal in time for the event you have worked so hard for.

As soon as you feel any discomfort STOP running and seek professional advice as soon as possible.

For rehabilitation purposes, the practice has full access to the Centre`s fitness suite containing the usual array of resistance training and cardiovascular equipment.

Book an appointment now on 07971 870035.