Run, Run, Run, Run Away...

The above is a reference to a line from a Jefferson Starship (or if you are an old hippie, the Jefferson Airplane) song and a lead in to a few of my thoughts on running. I often get asked if running is ok on the body, especially if you have a neck or back injury. And the answer is a resounding maybe! It depends on a bunch of factors-such as the severity of your problem, health of your joints (like your knees and hips), patterns of muscle imbalances, and your feet. Everyone is a little different and there isn't one simple answer.
Let me explain some of the ways you can get from where you are ( maybe sitting on the couch) to a place you would like to be (active, jogging, maybe competing in a race). First off, I start by looking at your feet. If your arches are flat or you notice your shoes wearing more on the outside of the heel, you probably need to start with orthotics. Orthotics are inserts that you put into your shoes to correct biomechanical problems in your gait. I use (both personally in my own shoes and in my practice) FootMaxx orthotics. They have a great method at determining the type of foot problem you have an have a semirigid orthotic that is comfortable to wear. Most of the patients at the office really feel they are helpful. Orthotics not only help your feet, but they can relieve pressure on your knees and back.
Next, I will see if any of the muscles in your legs are tight and imbalanced. It's very common to have a tight hamstring or ITB and it is important to deal with this. Otherwise, running will continue to strengthen the imbalance. People often have tight hamstrings; what I have learned ( and some recent research has shown) is that you can stretch and stretch and stretch your hamstrings, but they won't get any more flexible until you fix your back.
So what if your joints are already worn out? If you have a lot of wear and tear on your joints ( arthritis) walk, don't run. Sorry. You can make your walks more interesting by varying your pace. You can also get a nice heart work-out by carrying two water bottles in your hands and occasionally pumping them above your head. This was the idea behind the "heavy hand" wrist weights that were popular in the early 80's. Even though I don't recommend running, you need to walk, especially if you have arthritis. The right amount of movement and pressure stimulates cartilage growth. Supplements for joint health are a great ides and will be covered in a future post.
What about shoes? I can't keep up with all the brands so I recommend you get fit at a local store, Running in Motion, in Edmonds. The owner, Frank, knows his stuff. He put me in a size larger than I normally use and they feel good. The concept is that feet swell when you run so a tight fitting shoes gets too tight when you are exercising.
IF you "don't have a runners body" just remember that you do. It's in there, it just needs some help to come out.