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The Science of Injury Invariability

by Dr. Reed Ferber, Ph.D. CAT(C)

In my last article, I described how rotating multiple shoes and engaging in cross-training activities are both strategies that reduce your risk of injury, based on increasing the variability in the loads being applied to your body. Here, we’ll continue this discussion and give you some strategies to help reduce your injury risk based on biomechanical research.

My research group first introduced the concept of stride-to-stride variability as an indicator of a running injury nearly 10 years ago. We showed that when a runner has reduced gluteus medius muscle strength (the muscles on the side of your hip), your knee is not properly controlled when you run. Subsequently, the weakness leads to increased variability and an unpredictable running pattern. For example, the knee might slightly collapse outwards during one footfall and inwards for the next. However, once those muscles get stronger, a more predictable pattern and reduction in stride-to-stride variability occurs, so your body knows what to expect during the next footfall. Continue reading “The Science of Injury Invariability”

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Four Ways to Boost Your Family’s Activity Level

by Don Zabloski

When it comes to being active as a family, there is no one-size-fits-all strategy. Every family is unique and will make active choices that work for them. Some families may thrive on friendly competition, while others prefer not to keep score. One family may choose to devote themselves to a beloved sport, while another finds that they thrive in a variety of activities. Here are some active suggestions to try on for size with your team.

1. Tackle a new challenge
Trying something completely new can be energizing. It could be learning to cross-country ski on a nature trail or working up the courage to jump off the diving board at the community pool. Brainstorm activities you’ve never tried but always wanted to—how about bowling, archery, mini-golf or trampolining? Spend a weekend afternoon at the local recreation centre as a family, experiencing all that it has to offer for adults and kids alike. Or, head outside to the local park for a walk, run, hike or scavenger hunt. Continue reading “Four Ways to Boost Your Family’s Activity Level”

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Saucony | Running Room 5K Program: Nancy Brooks

Student Becomes the Teacher: A Saucony 5K Training Program Story

Accomplishing your first 5K is a true milestone in any runner’s life, worthy of celebration. Yet, as those that have gotten there through the 5K Training Program can tell you, there is some truth in the old adage about the journey over the destination. For some runners even, like program leader Nancy Brooks, it can be a life-changing experience. Continue reading “Saucony | Running Room 5K Program: Nancy Brooks”

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A Life Sentence

I could not tell you the exact moment, event or even potential series of events that led to the extreme shifts in my mood. I can only tell you that there was a time in my life that I spent many a day and night contemplating death. It went on for years. I was unreliable, sad all the time, and absolutely without any energy. It had been too many days, weeks, months and years of the same thing that I had lost any hope that I would ever wake up feeling any better. Not being here seemed like the best option. As a result, I ended up hospitalized after a deliberate overdose, at age 27. To say that the whole incident was completely terrifying would be an understatement. I was lower than low.

Continue reading “A Life Sentence”

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What Runners Should Know About the Air Quality Health Index

by Sarah Gutenberg, BSc (Pharm), CRE, CTE

As committed running enthusiasts, we can all agree with Sting on the importance of “Every Breath You Take.” Having an efficient set of lungs is essential to supply oxygen to our circulatory system and muscles, and to enhance our individual performance over time. Unfortunately, we cannot always be sure that the air we breathe is clean and free of pollutants that may seriously impede our lungs’ ability to absorb oxygen. Continue reading “What Runners Should Know About the Air Quality Health Index”

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The Mississauga Marathon

The Mississauga Marathon celebrated 15 years in 2018 with record numbers taking part in seven different race distances. Fast forward one year and organizers are looking to extend the celebration with course enhancements, a sharp new website, interactive race maps and awesome finishers’ medals. Canada’s sixth largest city comes alive at Mississauga Marathon time, which also aligns perfectly with kick starting a great season of races. Continue reading “The Mississauga Marathon”

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Instructor Profile/Paula Humphries–Kelowna, BC

by Caroline Raine and Deb Stanley

We would like to introduce Paula Humphries, an enthusiastic Running Room training program instructor. Eight years ago, Paula joined a training program at the Kelowna Running Room, for guidance on running and avoiding injury. She became a group leader three years ago and was encouraged to become a full-fledged instructor last year. Over the years, Paula has formed many positive, long-lasting relationships with her fellow runners. Continue reading “Instructor Profile/Paula Humphries–Kelowna, BC”

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Race Giving

Race: the Salvation Army Santa Shuffle
Funds raised in 2018: $650,000
Funds raised to date: $5.8 million

by Angela Rafuse

In partnership with Running Room, the Salvation Army’s Santa Shuffle is an annual event that raises funds for Salvation Army community programs. It features two distances (a 5K Fun Run and a 1K Elf Walk) and plenty of festive spirit. The funds raised go directly to the communities involved to provide food, clothing, shelter and empowerment for vulnerable Canadians. Continue reading “Race Giving”