There are many articles, books and theories on how we can improve on one of the simplest activities we as humans are known to do... and that is running. Our ancestors traveled by foot and when there were on a hunt they ran, barefoot nonetheless. If there was prey they could not catch, they figured out how to get stronger and faster by pushing their bodies to the limits which is a technique we still do to this day. So since running is our past-time, why do we practice so much to get better at it? We look for new techniques, new workouts and yet the one thing we do not do often or at all is get feedback on how we actually run. I'm not talking about the type of feedback when you run at full speed, but an actual breakdown of body position, arm swing, leg lift, foot strike, propulsion, extension. Slow motion feedback which will look at all these little things and then an explanation of what's going on, information that will inform you why your aches and pains like illiotibial (IT) band issues, Sacroiliac (SI) pain, plantar fasciitis (just to name a few) keep coming back.
Well, during my CIM training I had an invitation for a running gait analysis session at Performance, Analysis, Corrections, and Endurance (PACE) Labs. So for simplicity, I'll mention the sort name of the company in this blog. PACE Labs (located in Plano, TX). During my training, Boston Qualifying is all that I was aiming for so any inefficiency was a big deal for me. In order to know if there were any, I needed to get some feedback on my running form and I was lucky enough to meet the owner of PACE Labs Jimmy Hart. So I jumped at the chance.
Well, during my CIM training I had an invitation for a running gait analysis session at Performance, Analysis, Corrections, and Endurance (PACE) Labs. So for simplicity, I'll mention the sort name of the company in this blog. PACE Labs (located in Plano, TX). During my training, Boston Qualifying is all that I was aiming for so any inefficiency was a big deal for me. In order to know if there were any, I needed to get some feedback on my running form and I was lucky enough to meet the owner of PACE Labs Jimmy Hart. So I jumped at the chance.
Running gait analysis these days involves a bit of technology. At PACE Labs they use high speed digital video recording with advanced motion capture software to spot areas in your gait that need improvement (pics below from Sept 2012). They use the information gained from the video session (you run on a treadmill) and a general movement assessment to determine what areas are weak spots and develop a corrective plan that Jimmy steps you through.
Below you will see some pics of looking at pronation. The greater the number there is less pronation then the lower number which is...well more pronation. In these still pics I show to be pronating more at toe-off then at impact and I also show to be pronating differently with each leg. The reason for this is due to tight calves and my right hip is rotated forward which makes me apply more pressure on the right leg then on the left which lands fairly neutral.
This type of data is important because as all these chains of events occur, I now have a better understanding of why my hip flexors are tight and why my IT bands are tender. This information is also good so I can take to my Dr. or Chiropractor so they can see what's going on when I run and at what specific time in my stride it occurs.
Below you will see some pics of looking at pronation. The greater the number there is less pronation then the lower number which is...well more pronation. In these still pics I show to be pronating more at toe-off then at impact and I also show to be pronating differently with each leg. The reason for this is due to tight calves and my right hip is rotated forward which makes me apply more pressure on the right leg then on the left which lands fairly neutral.
This type of data is important because as all these chains of events occur, I now have a better understanding of why my hip flexors are tight and why my IT bands are tender. This information is also good so I can take to my Dr. or Chiropractor so they can see what's going on when I run and at what specific time in my stride it occurs.
Thank goodness I do not run like that anymore!
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So, no matter if you are a walker, runner or athlete, these types of sessions is something everyone should look into because the ultimate goal is to keep you walking/running injury and pain free. I would think we all would agree to that. By having a well-trained eye discover easily missed asymmetries, which can lead to overuse injuries you'll be able to stop bad habits and improper patterning which will make you walk/run more efficiently, and if you are a runner like I am -- you get the added bonus of gaining speed.
So an hour-long gait analysis at PACE Labs will include:
- General movement assessment
- Analysis of foot structure and shoe wear (he is a designer for Altra Shoes)
- High speed video from multiple angles
- Walking analysis and Running analysis done at various speeds
- Guided analysis and review of video session
- Corrective exercise recommendations for improvement
- Copy of the video
Now what does a session cost?
Well through February PACE Labs is offering the following specials:
- Initial Assessment is $100 ($50 savings)
- Retests are $50 ($25 savings)
So if you are in interested or just want to be make sure you're not headed for an injury, Give Jimmy a call at 214-997-4210 or email him at jimmy@pace-labs.com.
Kyle
Train Hard = Race Easy, Train Smart = Race Fast
So an hour-long gait analysis at PACE Labs will include:
- General movement assessment
- Analysis of foot structure and shoe wear (he is a designer for Altra Shoes)
- High speed video from multiple angles
- Walking analysis and Running analysis done at various speeds
- Guided analysis and review of video session
- Corrective exercise recommendations for improvement
- Copy of the video
Now what does a session cost?
Well through February PACE Labs is offering the following specials:
- Initial Assessment is $100 ($50 savings)
- Retests are $50 ($25 savings)
So if you are in interested or just want to be make sure you're not headed for an injury, Give Jimmy a call at 214-997-4210 or email him at jimmy@pace-labs.com.
Kyle
Train Hard = Race Easy, Train Smart = Race Fast
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