If you’re a runner, chances are you have had a knee issue at some stage. Or at least been worried about it happening. We all tend to have this belief that running is inherently bad for our knees, but is it true? In the first part of this two-post series, we seek advice from the experts to help answer this question. […]
As an ultrarunner, I rely on frequent massages to help keep the muscles loose and to prevent injury. In my line of work, this means that I have had massages all over the world in many different cultures and contexts. I’ve had some of the best massages of my life on a beach in Borneo, in the ‘Valley of Longevity’ in […]
I’m a sports treatment junkie. It’s true – the more treatment I get, the more I want! From physiotherapists to massage therapists to neuromuscular skeletal specialists, I want them all. I love learning more about how my body works, where the trouble spots are, and how I can make it work better. Living in Afghanistan I have realized how much […]
The best laid plans of mice and ultrarunners…. My surgery was supposed to be a rather routine operation on my right big toe, but things didn’t go exactly as planned. Let’s back it up a bit and I’ll explain how I got into this mess. I’ve been having pain in my right big toe for about 18 months now. Actually, probably […]
Kriotherapy (“cold cure”) First, let me start off by saying that I don’t deal well with the cold. Actually, that is an understatement. If there was a campaign to support global warming, I’d be leading it (wait, maybe I’m onto something…). You’d think that having grown up in Ontario, I would be more willing to embrace sub-tropical temperatures. But no. […]
Lots going on this week so stay tuned! This Friday, I’m being interviewed by a journalist for a new running magazine here in the UK called Running Fitness. I’ve decided to subject the journalist to a pool run in my amazing gym (the Third Space), so hopefully he’ll bring his bathing suit! I’ll let you know how that goes and also give you the scoop on the amazing recovery benefits of water running. Then on Saturday, I’m testing out another extreme form of treatment. Anyone who knows me well will be aware that I spend most of my time in training hovering on the injury line (and frequently going over). I have been dealing with a niggly injury in my right thigh in training, so time to pull out the big guns. After hearing about a friend who went through this treatment, I knew I had to give it a shot. What is it, you ask? Cryotherapy! Yes, very Austin Powers. I will be frozen down to -120 Celcius (or below). Twice. Crazy? Yes. More to come! To get an idea of what I’m gearing up for, have a read of this article: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/4538936/Big-chill-the-hidden-medical-benefits-of-cryotherapy.html
With the amount of running I do, I suppose it comes as no surprise that I am constantly injuring myself. In January, I got a pelvic stress fracture during a 50k race in a blizzard. Yup, I actually ran until my pelvis broke. I’ve had broken bones, torn muscles, tendonitis, bursitis, capsulitis (any more itises?), shin splints, patellofemoral syndrome, chaffed […]
I’m not fully settled in a new city until I have found My Gym. THE Gym. In other words, my Second Home. In New York, I was lucky enough to have access to an Equinox gym about half a block away from my apartment. Spinning classes, spa services, excellent cardio equipment, juice bar, pool, and — the best — ice pools right next to hot baths. After a workout I would plunge my legs into the ice bath for 2 min, followed by 2 min in the bubble-less jacuzzi (for two cycles). It is one of the best ways to flush the lactic acid out of the muscles and help promote recovery. …But alas, it is tough being spoilt. As I’ve quickly learned, the gyms in London just don’t compare to the gyms of NYC… Except for ONE: the Third Space (www.thethirdspace.com). Now, as I’ve learned using my highly refined wikipedia research skills (is this what I learned in law school?), the term “third spaces” refers to social surroundings separate from the “first space”, being the home, and the “second space”, being the workplace. Third spaces are thought of as the “anchors” of community life that facilitate creative interaction. Author Ray Oldenburg, in his book entitledThe Great Good Place, argues that the defining features of a true “third space” are that it is (1) free or inexpensive, (2) highly accessible, (3) welcoming and comfortable, and (4) usually has food and […]
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