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According to the Greek myth, the first marathon runner was Pheidippides, an Athenian herald who died after running 26 miles from the battlefield at Marathon to Athens to proclaim victory.
Since then, the battle of Marathon has become much more obscure than the races to which it lent its name. Marathons are now popularly viewed as an ultimate test of endurance and thousands of people run them every year. Some run as serious competitors, some run for fun, and many others run just to see if they can finish.
For Soldiers on the other hand, running is more than a recreational activity. They don’t run to relax or blow off steam. They run to prepare their bodies to survive the harsh, grueling conditions of combat.
Though running is a key component of the U.S. Army Physical Readiness Training program, Soldiers and leaders should be aware of hazardous running practices that can lead to permanent injury.
The Performance Triad – a holistic approach to health that incorporates sound nutrition practices and restful sleep with physical activity – promotes safe running techniques to keep Soldiers fit for a lifetime.
Not many runners suffer injuries as severe as Pheidippides’s, but injuries from running are very common. According to Performance Triad a Leader’s Guide and Planner, between 27 and 70 percent of runners suffer from overuse injuries each year. Knee, shin and foot pain are all warning signs that require immediate medical attention.
Maj. Dan Rhon treats many overuse injuries as a physical therapist at Madigan Army Medical Center. He said many of the injuries he sees could have been prevented if soldiers had followed a few basic tips to ensure their safety.
“Soldiers should ensure they warm up appropriately,” Rhon said. “We often see soldiers stretching, but we don’t really see a warm-up. There is a difference between the two.”
Rhon added the research indicates a warm-up is much better than static stretching prior to running because it gets the body ready to run.
A lot of patients wanted to run a half-marathon or longer race and started training too intensely much too quickly, resulting in injury, Rhon added.
“If you have a goal in mind, we recommend ramping up to that goal,” he said. “Have a plan so you add a little bit of mileage every week, and your body can build up endurance. Your body can reach that goal in a much better and safer fashion.”
Rhon said runners should also wear shoes that fit and remember to replace shows with worn tread. A proper shoe efficiently absorbs the impact as your feet hit the pavement.
Always be on the lookout for signs of overuse, mainly lingering joint pain.
“The biggest tip I can offer you is to listen to your body,” he added. “There’s a difference between having muscle soreness from working out and having joint pain that lingers in your knees, feet and ankles. Listen to what your body is telling you and adjust appropriately.”
To learn more about safe running, visit armymedicine.mil.
| Date Taken: | 12.05.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 12.06.2013 02:04 |
| Story ID: | 117826 |
| Location: | ALABAMA, US |
| Web Views: | 81 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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