Okanagan Sunshine!

Finally the sun is out and races are in full swing for the local triathletes and runners! As the miles start to ramp up, be sure to stay on top of any potential injuries. Talk to your coach, nutritionist and / or rehab specialist on how to properly recover between your work outs. If you have any concerns get on them now!

Before your next training session, be sure to check that your cleats haven't come loose (personal experience a couple weeks back!) and keep track of your seat position - a small change from a bolt coming loose can make a big difference on how you feel during or after a long ride. Watch out for changes in wear patterns of your shoes - you don't want to be running on a camber when you should be running on the flats! On that note, if any Achilles' problems start to sneak up after long training runs or race day, compare the heel heights of your shoes. An extreme change in height can put unaccustomed loads/stress on to your calf muscles...any questions pop in and ask at PCRAS, your local running store or health professional.

Happy and safe training!!

Well Done Locals!

At the Oliver Wine Capital Triathlon, the locals were very well represented!! Great work out there!! Everyone should be happy with their performances.
Not only was I excited about seeing my team mates perform so well, I was thrilled to see some rehab success stories out there. Success came from athletes listening to their bodies, listening to their coaches and listening to all the rehab professionals helping them along the way. It truly is a team effort and the earlier that the team can get working on "issues" the quicker that they can be resolved. Even I have to remind myself that once the problem disapears, you still have to be on the preventative side. Keep up the great team work!

Winning the Battle

5 days since my foot started rebelling with some serious Plantar Fasciitis pain on the medial calcaneous...I was actually able to get out today for an hour "run". It was easy, yet thrilling to get back on the road. I did a minor test on it with stride work on the field yesterday. This went well, likely due to the the more forefoot striking. Today, I used new shoes (NB 769 - a bit stiffer than my usual runners), my soft orthotics and went out for a run with the purpose of no expectations. I felt it a bit on the descents, however, it is MUCH improved since Tuesday. I look forward to building up my mileage again.
Lesson: get on those injuries fast and seek expert advice!!
Happy Training :)

Plantar Fasciitis...Gotta love it!!!

I hate to admit it, however, I have become the latest victim of Plantar Fasciitis! One moment I am admiring my hours of running for the week and glowing in the fact that I am healthy and pain free...next, I am hobbling around with horrible anterior heel pain. For once I have taken my own advice and I feel that I am making progress in my battle. I immediately got on to a regimine of self Graston work, NSAID's, good footwear (in and out of the house), alternating hot and cold AND staying off my feet for prolonged periods as much as possible. It has been rough, however, my hobbling has reduced in 3 days significantly. Differential diagnosis - is it a calcaneal stress fracture?? Medial to lateral squeeze tests are negative...I hope it stays that way! Get on it early, listen to the professionals. Taking care of something quickly versus pounding out more miles in pain, will be a bigger pay off in the long run. In the meanwhile, run a few extra km's for me :)