run Archives - Mackarey & Mackarey PT

Congratulations to the enthusiastic and dedicated runners who finished the 25^th Annual Steamtown Marathon yesterday. Most, if not all of you are waking up this morning with a little less jump in your step than you had yesterday.

As active people by nature, many of you will resist the logic of rest, despite the pain and stiffness in your muscles and joints. Therefore, I would like to offer some words of wisdom, based on science, to encourage you to adequately rest and allow your body to recover.

GREAT EXAMPLE OF REST AND RECOVERY:

With adequate rest and recovery, an elite runner can quickly regain full form in 3-4 weeks, while an average runner may require 4-6 weeks. Meb Keflezighi, an elite American runner and winner of the 2014 Boston Marathon, is an excellent example of the merits of rest and recovery. However, he discovered it by accident…following the 2012 New York City Marathon, Meb developed a foot infection which required three weeks rest. With the Olympic Trials just 70 days away, Meb quickly regained his pre-injury fitness level to win the 2012 US Olympic Marathon Trials and join the US Olympic Team in London. It may be that his injury was fortuitous and allowed him adequate recovery time, (that he might not have otherwise allowed), preparing him for intensive training leading up to the trials.

RESPECT THE DAMAGE TO YOUR BODY

Muscle-Skeletal System:

One of the most obvious effects of running a marathon is significant muscle and joint pain and stiffness. It will set in after you sit for a while and attempt to get up and move around. For most, it will be more pronounced the day after the marathon, as you get out of bed and limp to the bathroom. Studies show that the leg muscles, (especially the calf muscles) display significant inflammation and necrosis (dead tissue) in the fibers of the muscle. In other words, the trauma to the muscles is so severe that tissue damage causes muscle cells to die. Consequently, studies found that muscle strength, power and endurance is compromised and required significant time to recover… sometimes as long as 4-6 weeks!

Additionally, many runners report severe bone and joint pain following the race. Some studies report findings of microfractures or bone bruising from the repeated and prolonged pounding of the marathon. It is purported that the stress on the joints may be related to: weight and body type, running shoes, running style and mechanics. While not dangerous, again, it is important to respect the stress placed on the body and allow adequate healing…LISTEN TO YOUR BODY!

Cellular Damage:

Creatine kinase is an enzyme found in the brain, skeletal muscles and heart. It is found in elevated levels in the presence of cellular damage to these tissues, for example, following a heart attack. Similarly, significantly elevated creatine kinase levels are found in the blood of runners up to 4 days post marathon, demonstrating extensive tissue damage at the cellular level. It is important to note, that these enzyme markers are present, even if a runner does not experience muscle soreness. So, adequate rest for healing and recovery is required, regardless of soreness.

Immune System:

It is not a coincidence that the runners are more likely to contract colds and flu after intensive training or running 26.2 miles. The immune system is severely compromised after a marathon and without adequate recovery; a runner can become ill and ultimately lose more training time or will underperform.

3 MYTHS THAT PREVENT REST AND RECOVERY IN RUNNERS:

If I don’t have pain, then I did not damage my body and I can run again soon after the marathon. FALSE: As stated above, enzyme levels that indicate cellular damage to the tissues are present in the post-marathon runner, even in those without significant pain.
Energy drinks with caffeine are the best way to reenergize my body and speed up my recovery. FALSE: In addition to rest, drink, drink, drink - 24 ounces of water for every 2 pounds you lose after the marathon. This is based on pre and post exercise weight. You just burned 2,600 calories so avoid diet soft drinks. You need the glucose (sugar) boost. Also, don’t drink alcohol and use minimal amounts of caffeine (the equivalent of 1-2 cups of coffee). First, drink plenty of water and sports drinks (Gatorade) to prevent a diuretic like caffeine from messing up your fluid balance.
If I don’t run, I will lose all of my conditioning in one week. FALSE: Studies clearly show that the VO2 Max, (the best measurement of a runner’s endurance and fitness), is unchanged after one week of inactivity. And, after two weeks, the loss is less than 6% and can be regained quickly. Moreover, it is important to remember, without adequate rest and recovery, performance is comprised, not by the loss of VO2 Max, but by muscle-skeletal tissue damage, which renders the leg muscles of the runner weaker. Remember Meb Keflezighi!

Expedite Your Recovery

Rest – Take it easy for a few days. Let you muscles/body heal. Take short walks.
Elevate – Elevating your legs to allow blood/fluid in you muscles to return to the heart without using gravity.
Massage – This can be an effective method of relaxing muscle spasms, cramps and mobilizing fluids from your muscles to your heart after the marathon. It should be very comfortable. You may find even more benefit from massage 24-48 hours after the race to assist in the recovery of delayed onset muscle soreness from lactic acid build-up in your muscles.
Slowly Reintroduce Exercise and Running – Gradually introduce longer walks and slow jogging after a few weeks. Cross-training is good for less joint compression and allows the use of other muscles. (Elliptical, bike, swim)
Listen to your body!

This article is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. If you have questions related to your medical condition, please contact your family physician. For further inquires related to this topic email: drpmackarey@msn.com

Paul J. Mackarey PT, DHSc, OCS is a Doctor in Health Sciences specializing in orthopaedic and sports physical therapy. Dr. Mackarey is in private practice and is an associate professor of clinical medicine at GCSOM.

See all of Dr. Mackarey's articles in our Health and Exercise Forum!

PREVENTION OF RUNNING INJURIES

It is two months away from the 25^th Steamtown Marathon. This column is dedicated to those dedicated runners preparing for the big day, Sunday, October 9, 2022.

Congratulations and thank you to Bill King, founder and race director, and his band of brothers, for their tireless efforts organizing and sustaining a great race that instills pride for all people of NEPA. It has inspired many people, including me, to transfer the discipline and determination required to complete a marathon by overcoming challenges one mile at a time.

Now, a little marathon history: In 490 B.C. Phedippides, ran 25 miles from Marathon to Athens to deliver an important military message and died immediately. Ironically, the first marathon of the modern Olympic Games in 1896 in Athens was won by Spiridon Louis, a humble Greek peasant, who stopped along the way for a glass of wine and told the owner of the tavern that he would win the race. He was determined to pace himself properly, as he knew the dusty, hilly path better than anyone in the field. He was greeted with jubilation and become a hero and legend.

HOW TO PREVENT RUNNING INJURIES

Avoid the “terrible too’s”

Avoid overtraining: number one cause of injury
- Too much intensity
- Too many miles
- Too soon
- Follow the 10% rule
  - Do not increase weekly mileage by > 10% each week

Only run miles needed to meet your goals

Following the mantra that more must be better will lead to injury
Accumulating “junk miles” causes the body to break down

Avoid inconsistent training

Occurs when you have missed several sessions and you attempt to “catch up” by adding additional miles

Avoid repeating hard workouts without any easy workouts in between

Do not run two hard workouts on consecutive days
- Long runs
- Hill repeats
- Races
- Speedwork
- Allow for recovery, re-building and reduction of injury risk
  - Day of rest
  - Cross training

Consider cross training to avoid overtraining without compromising fitness level

Reduces chance of injury
- Balances muscle groups
  - Strengthens non-running muscles and rests the running muscles(Quadriceps and adductors)
- Develops body parts that running neglects
- Reduces stress on joints
  - Low-impact
  - Swimming
  - Water running
  - Cycling
  - Cross country skiing
  - Stair climbers
- Maintain/improve cardiovascular fitness
  - Increases aerobic capacity
  - Burns additional calories
- Avoids boredom of running
  - Provides mental break from sport to avoid burn-out
    - Especially for the long distance events (marathons)
    - Try hiking!
- Allows continued training despite injury
  - Maintain fitness level while recovering from injury
  - Reduces frustration of inability to run

Treat your feet right

Avoid worn out shoes
- Most common cause of injury
- Reduced shock absorption, cushioning and stability
  - Increases stress and impact
  - Muscle fatigue, shin splints and joint pain (especially knees) may be a signal
- Replace every 300-400 miles
  - Dependent on running style, body weight and running surface
    - Smaller/lighter runners closer to 400
    - Heavier runners closer to 300
    - Running on hard surfaces
      - Replace shoes sooner than if running on treadmill
- Record new shoe purchase
  - Calendar
  - Training log
  - Inside shoe
- Purchase a second pair halfway through the life of the initial pair
  - Rotate shoes
    - Running in different shoes on alternating days provides even stress distribution on feet
  - Extends shoe life
  - Having a fresh pair as a reference
    - Will recognize when old ones need to be replaced
- Shoe type
  - Most important piece of equipment
  - Appropriate for foot type and weight
    - Flat foot: motion control
    - High arch: cushioning
  - Specialty running store
    - Scranton Running Co
  - Tennis shoes not appropriate
- Biomechanical problem
  - Heel lifts or orthotics

Visit your doctor regularly and listen to your body.

NEXT MONDAY – Read Dr. Paul J. Mackarey “Health & Exercise Forum!”

For all of Dr. Mackarey's articles visit: www.mackareyphysicaltherapy.com/forum

Pre-pandemic we saw increased popularity of local races such as the Steamtown Marathon and Scranton 1/2 Marathon. With that, local interest in running was exploding and will hopefully return to normal soon. However, during the pandemic, especially when fitness centers were closed, many took seasoned and beginner runners to the streets to improve fitness and alleviate stress. However, as a health care provider, I am seeing a significant number of first time runners visit my office with a wide variety of injuries that are very preventable with a modicum of good judgment.

Runners are addicted to running for good reason. There is nothing like it! No exercise offers so much in such little time. Caloric expenditure is higher than in most other exercises, including biking. Running also allows for fresh air, beautiful scenery, minimal investment in clothing or equipment, little skill and time to learn. Moreover, the benefits are many; runners suffer from less depression, colds and flu symptoms, and experience less pain due to an endorphin release (a natural chemical in the brain associated with euphoria and pain control.)

This column will be dedicated to those who are interested in beginning a running program for all the reasons mentioned above and more. The program is designed to promote a safe and gradual introduction or return to running as form of exercise. The initial goal is to help you attain 30 minutes (approximately 2 miles) of running at a slow, relaxed and safe pace. This 30 minute goal is the standard used in most research that shows improvement in weight control, cholesterol, heart disease, blood pressure and adult onset diabetes. The 8 week program is a simple and safe program that begins with more walking than running and gradually reverses the proportion. The first two miles are the hardest and once mastered; one can begin to build on mileage and intensity if desired. For those interested in advancing to a half or full marathon, I recommend the book “The Marathon” by Jeff Galloway who advocates a run/walk program as you increase distances. Visit his website at: www.jeffgalloway.com.

Before You Begin

Consult your physician: This is important if you have health issues, have not engaged in exercise for some time or you are 15-20 pounds overweight and over 40 years of age.

Plan a schedule: Get committed. Use a computer, calendar, or fitness Apps such as Endomondo Sports Tracker or Argus.

Get mentally prepared: You will have good and bad days. You have to do it, even on the bad days. Once you get to a certain level of fitness, it gets easier and more fun.

Buy the proper shoes for you: Just because the sneaker fits does not mean you have to wear it! Manufacturers entice prospective buyers with a multitude of colors, fabrics, styles and designs. Instead of focusing on aesthetics, focus on function!

The appearance of an arch in a weight bearing position does not automatically exclude the individual from excessive supination or pronation. Consult a podiatrist or an orthopedic physical therapist to determine the propensity toward supination, pronation or neutrality of the foot and ankle.

Note: New Balance, Brooks, Asics, Mizuno & Saucony all make quality running shoes to accommodate a supinated, pronated or normal foot.

Other equipment: DryTech is great fabric for running which wicks the sweat away from the skin and prevents chaffing. It can be found in shorts, pants, shirts and socks Also, weather and temperature options are important, such as compression shorts in cooler temperatures to prevent muscle pulls.