With the increased popularity of local races such as the Steamtown Marathon and Scranton 1/2 Marathon, local interest in running is exploding. On many levels, including the improvement of the health and wellness of the residents of NEPA, this is a tremendous trend. However, as a health care provider, I am seeing a significant number […]
Part 2 of 2 Last week, this column discussed the many benefits of snowshoeing as an option for those in NEPA to get outdoors and enjoy the winter. Today’s column will present another option for outdoor exercise when the weather is inclement…winter walking or running. We live in such a beautiful environment. Each season brings […]
Guest Columnist: Gina Tomaine I decided to train for my first marathon shortly after running a ten-mile road race in Washington D.C. in spring of 2013. I had been running 5Ks for about a year at that point, and my overall health and fitness was at an all-time high. Not only was my fitness commitment […]
Steamtown Marathon is quickly approaching… This is the time of year when local runners are ramping up their training for the marathon or gearing up for high school cross country. It is also the time of year when many runners come to our clinic with shin splints. Many of these athletes are female runners, however, to […]
Provisional Bag/First Aide Kit It is one week away from the 16th Steamtown Marathon. This column is dedicated to all the runners preparing for the big day. One small piece of advice; start slowly, avoid the first mile adrenaline sprint downhill, and enjoy the journey! Remember, only one Olympic marathon winner (Juan Zabala, Argentina, 1932) […]
Winter in NEPA can be the perfect opportunity to try something new. For example, for those who enjoy running or walking you can continue to do so in the winter, with a few adjustments. Equipment, such as treaded sneakers, allows you to run or walk in the snow. Snow shoes are a great way to […]
Last year’s Steamtown Marathon saw the influence of the new “barefoot running” fad, with R. J. Stiltenpole of Scranton Running Co. as one runner who sported the barefoot look and plans to do so again in October 2011. He, like many other “barefoot runners,” sported minimalist shoes to prevent cuts and blisters from the pavement. […]
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.
