Good morning!
I am on the road this weekend in King of Prussia, PA. If you have never been to this area, I highly recommend it, it is very picturesque. While I am enjoying the area, I am actually here to take a 2-day course on gait analysis. This is part II of an in-depth program that will further my ability to improve runner’s performance and help minimize injuries. Interestingly, this class is also reinforcing aspects of training that I have long felt strongly about
For as long as I have been a running coach, I have advocated for the value of professionally designed personal training plans. My beliefs are grounded in the concept that running is very much an individual activity. Using a plan that does encapsulate every detail of the individual AND is not altered in an ongoing basis, is most likely going to fail or worse; get the runner injured.
The physical therapist that are conducting this course, are thoroughly immersed in the science of running and have worked with 2 of the foremost authorities on running, Rich Willy and Irene Davis. Directly and through their authorships, this team has effectively helped many thousands of runners get back on the road and become even stronger and faster. They now travel across the country sharing their expertise on both 2D and 3D gait analysis, as well as their overall science base knowledge. For those of you that know of much I believe in science based run coaching, you would not be surprised if I tried to get them to adopt me!
Gait analysis is a wonderful tool and every runner should have one. Having a professional video you using a professional system will help you become a better runner and reduce your chances of future injury. However, what these instructors all conclude is; injuries and poor running performance is the result of poor training. More specifically, formula based coaching and internet based training plans. The findings are based on studies and the results are conclusive.
While some of this information far exceeds my knowledge level, it unequivocally supports my belief that running plans and training have the greatest chance of success, if they are devised by a trained coach and require a thorough understanding of the individual runner. Also, a successful training plan, is one that is a continuously evolving plan, that is not solely based on an accomplished pace.
This training is challenging as I am the only non physical therapist, but the information is amazing and I am gaining so much good stuff that will allow me to help runners. For me, that is why I am here. Picturesque for sure, but 10 hours class sessions do not leave any time for sightseeing.
Have a great Sunday and God Bless!
Mike
