Running season is here again.  After a long winter we are excited about gearing up for another fun summer of tearing up the paths and pounding some pavement.  Maybe its time to shop for some new runners or the latest athletic garb? Some tunes may help the miles go by or a new watch may help track our times.   We are anxious to get started and feel the ground beneath our feet, the warm sun on our face, and the wind at our back

Some of us get caught up in the excitement and may overexert ourselves the first couple of outings. After we have had some time to rest we notice a sore knee or hip? Now your wondering if this pain is nothing to worry about or if it will present any future problems. We begin to question ourselves, maybe it’s those old runners, probably because I ran on the pavement, or it could be I am trying to hard?

The dynamic Manitoba climate, urge some of us to decrease or modify our usual activities in favor of a more comfortable environment. In turn many sports enthusiast and amateur athletes change activities to accommodate the seasons and subsequent surroundings. Fundamental modifications such as an aggressive running regime, if not gradually incorporated, can cause the athlete to experience a loss of performance and/or increased risk of injury.

It is important to note that we, condition our body systems for specific sports and levels of activity which are directly related to previous training, physical and physiological make up, and current health conditions. Generally we adapt and enhance the associated body systems gradually over time with safe and proper training technique. This progressive strengthening prepares our body to manage these specific stresses. This in turn can decrease the likelihood of injury and increase performance. This theory is called the S.A.I.D. principle which, translates into “Said Adaptation to Imposed Demands“.

A Few Points to Consider

You know your body best, so give adequate attention to possible signs and make changes to your exercise program and lifestyle as appropriate.

If you have any doubts about your health seek out licensed health professionals including doctors of Chiropractic, doctors of Medicine or a Physiotherapist.

Often good advice on training and equipment may come from seasoned athletes and/or various reputable publications. A little critical appraisal and some common sense will go a long way in extracting the most useful information and applying it to your situation.

In essence listen to your body; teach yourself about your own health and sport. Train safe, effectively and enjoy your summer

Good Running, Dr. Clark