Category: Running

In 2009, compression socks burst onto the running scene when people witnessed Paula Radcliffe, one of the top female marathon runners, wearing what appeared to be knee-high socks as she ran the Boston Marathon and other major events. In fact, so many people took notice that the sock she wore, 2XU Compression Racing Socks, became the 2009 Product of the Year! Today, the company offers two socks: one worn while running to improve performance, and the other worn after prolonged activities to reduce exercise-induced muscle soreness.

Last week’s column presented the cause and symptoms of a hamstring strain. This week will be dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of this injury.

Hamstring strains are very common in spring sports in Northeastern Pennsylvania in great part due to our climate. Each spring, as the season begins, many athletes suffer from pain in the back of their thigh when they pull or strain the hamstring muscle from aggressive activity in cold temperatures, following a long winter layoff. This week’s column presents the cause and symptoms of a hamstring strain.

These tips are appropriate for those who did well in the Steamtown Marathon in October, qualified for the Boston Marathon in the spring, and will be training all winter. Furthermore, those who enjoy winter exercise through walking, running, snow shoeing or cross country skiing will also benefit from this information.

Many people living in Northeastern Pennsylvania attempt to exercise outdoors year round. The psychological benefits are many: each season brings its own unique beauty, and winter is no different. Most will not have to abandon outdoor activities, but some adjustments in equipment, clothing, and food are necessary for each season and the temperature changes that it brings.

Nothing can ruin a great run like a nagging painful blister. As you attempt to “run through” the pain, you compensate your gait in such a way that you irritate something else, such as your knee, hip or lower back. With this in mind, as many local runners prepare for this year’s marathon, I thought information on blister prevention would be of great value.

Proper hydration is essential for the comfort and safety of the recreational and serious athlete. Hydration is critical to maintain cardiovascular function, body temperature and muscle performance.

If you, like me, have been running for many years, trail running can help you rediscover why you love to run. It is beautiful, peaceful, natural and unique. It is fun to get in touch with your inner child as you run in the woods and get muddy. Trail running makes running fun!

To be a competitive runner and have longevity in the sport, optimal form is necessary. Moreover, a recent study shows that a runner can decrease the stresses on the lower body and reduce the incidence of stress fractures when trained to run with proper form using visual feedback while on a treadmill.

Shin splints are to runners what tennis elbow is to tennis players.